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 Sergeant Harold W. Bogen (ASN: 6565770), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 43d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 15 May 1945. On that date Sergeant Bogen’s battalion commander was wounded and lay in a foxhole which was being subjected to heavy enemy artillery fire. Sergeant Bogen, along with six other enlisted men, volunteered to act as a litter party in order that the commander could be returned in the shortest possible time. There was no litter available so one had to be contrived out of bamboo and two ponchos. Without hesitation though already tired from several days of grueling combat, Sergeant Bogen and his comrades undertook what he knew to be a dangerous and highly difficult task. The trip back to safe territory was difficult in the greatest extreme. Heavy rains had rendered the terrain impassible. The descent from the starting position was managed only with the maximum expenditure of energy. Sergeant Bogen and his comrades descended the 45-degree incline by sliding on his back over slippery mud holding the commander steady by strength of arm. The remainder of the trip was over equally difficult terrain, which was the more difficult because of his complete exhaustion. The return trip was made by the group with only one rifle as protection and under enemy artillery fire. Only by extending their efforts to the limit was the group able to reach safety. Even the wounded commander requested they rest but nothing deterred their indomitable spirit for when safety was reached all dropped in complete exhaustion. Instead of resting Sergeant Bogen returned to the forward area where enemy shilling still continued.

Awards Received