Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 17, 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 Private First Class Robert E. Pluckerbaum (ASN: 36907653), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the 37th Infantry Division, in the Philippine Islands, on 17 June 1945. Private First Class Pluckerbaum was swimming in the Cagayan River when another soldier was caught by the swift current and was in imminent danger of drowning. Noticing his plight, Private First Class Pluckerbaum immediately swam into the tricky current, fought the victim whose struggles threatened to take him under also, finally overcame the drowning man, and brought him safely to shore. Private First Class Pluckerbaum’s brave action saved his comrade’s life. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Private First Class Pluckerbaum reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.