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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Cornelius A. McDevitt (ASN: 0-5714373), United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant McDevitt distinguished himself on 13 and 14 November 1967, while serving as a platoon leader with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) on a combat operation in the republic of Vietnam. When the lead platoon of Company B made contact with the enemy and was pinned down, Lieutenant McDevitt maneuvered his platoon into a favorable position and led an aggressive assault attempting to reach the pinned down platoon. Despite the heavy volume of rocket, grenade, automatic weapons and small arms fire, Lieutenant McDevitt moved from position to position directing fire and assessing the exact situation. Throughout the night, First Lieutenant McDevitt directed the extremely hazardous tasks of attempting to retrieve the dead and wounded that lay outside the perimeter. His courage, dedication to duty and personally led counter-attacks were instrumental in thwarting all attempts to break the platoon front. Lieutenant McDevitt’s personal bravery, dedication to duty and calmness under fire were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received