Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Cavalry) Roderick J. MacEachen (ASN: 0-1794823), United States Army, for gallantry in action while Commanding the 37th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, 37th Infantry Division, while making a reconnaissance on foot of the river crossing near Ipil, on 14 June 1945, when it was surprised by enemy machine gun fire from concealed positions. Ordering his men to cover, he proceeded to the bridge, which he found to be in serviceable condition to aid in the advance of our troops. However, he detected an enemy demolition charge, consisting of two 250-pound aerial bombs wired for detonation. Captain MacEachen courageously crawled 100 yards across this bridge to sever the detonating connections, thus thwarting the enemy plans for delaying our forces. Returning to his unit, he skillfully directed the destruction of the enemy positions, consisting of two heavy machine guns and their crews totaling ten men. On 19 June 1945, Captain MacEachen personally, on foot, and while continually exposed to enemy fire, deployed his forces, led supporting tanks to the very scene of action, and directed them in the complete destruction of the enemy. His repeated aggressive action in searching out the enemy positions, while alone and unprotected, and his prompt and brilliant employment of the equipment at his disposal, resulted in the destruction of approximately 90 of the enemy and their weapons, including six tanks.

Awards Received