Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technician Fifth Grade [then Private First Class]

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 15, 1945

    Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 348 (October 15, 1945)

    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 Technician Fifth Grade [then Private First Class] Anthony S. Colello (ASN: 36678396), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the Medical Detachment, 37th Infantry Division, in the Philippine Islands, on 15 May 1945. Technician Fifth Grade Colello, at great risk to his own life saved a comrade from drowning in a mountain creek in the vicinity of Minuli, near Belete Pass. The stricken soldier was caught in the swift flowing waters of the creek and carried into deep water, where due to the current, he began to sink below the surface. Despite the treacherous current, Technician Fifth Grade Colello immediately went to his rescue and, after a hard struggle succeeded in dragging his fellow soldier safely to shore. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Technician Fifth Grade Colello reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.