Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Fordham E. Finch, Jr. (ASN: US-53441011), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 22d Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Finch was serving as a machine gunner during a search and destroy operation on Operation CEDAR FALLS on 13 January 1967, when his squad was fired upon from a well-fortified enemy position. Another squad attempted to maneuver to the flank of the enemy positions but was stopped by very intense and accurate small arms fire. Private Finch, seeing the maneuvering element taking casualties, moved into a clearing under heavy enemy fire to render additional fire support. While his comrades were evacuating their wounded, Private Finch completely disregarded his own safety and aggressively covered the evacuation until he was mortally wounded. His unimpeachable valor in close combat against numerically superior enemy forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received