Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Division:

    Nebraska National Guard

    Action Date:

    May 13, 1964

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 8 (March 9, 1965)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Private Claris L. Robinson, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the Nebraska National Guard and serving with Company D, 4th Battalion, 3d Training Regiment, Basic, on 13 May 1964, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Private Robinson was participating in the relocation of a storage shed which was being lowered by crane from the bed of a truck when the book of the crane accidentally came into contact with a 7,200 volt overhead power line. Simultaneously the Officer-in-Charge, whose hand was on a metal cable which secured the shed, was rendered unconscious and then another member of the detail slumped against the shed. Upon observing the great danger to the men, Private Robinson completely disregarded his own personal safety, unhesitatingly dove at the legs of the two men in an attempt to dislodge them from the electrical contact, and sustained burns on his own body during his courageous and prompt action. Private Robinson’s heroic conduct is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.