Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fifth Class [then Specialist Fourth Class]

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    13th Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 17, 1965

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 42 (October 4, 1966)

    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 Specialist Fifth Class [then Specialist Fourth Class] Robert E. Mull, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving as a member of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 13th Artillery, 24th Infantry Division, on 17 September 1965 in Germany. Specialist Mull was driving a truck in the rear of a convoy when he saw an M-109 155-mm. howitzer suddenly stop. As the crew of the vehicle evacuated it and fled, Specialist Mull stopped his truck and ran to the abandoned howitzer to investigate. Upon opening its rear door and looking inside the howitzer which was loaded with explosive projectiles, he saw as it ablaze with sparks. A canister of high explosive powder had shifted and made contact with the vehicle’s electrical system. Fully aware of the grave danger, he seized the vehicle’s tool bag and disconnected the battery cables. He then dragged the red-hot canister outside. The later inspection of the canister showed that it’s packing material had been exposed to intense heat. Through his prompt and courageous actions, Specialist Mull prevented possible injury to the personnel in the immediate area and loss of valuable government equipment. His heroic conduct in this emergency situation is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself than to military service. [This award supersedes the award of the Army Commendation Medal to Specialist Mull for heroism on 17 September 1965 as announced in General Orders Number 14, Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, dated 19 January 1966.]