Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    145th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 28, 1945

    Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 314 (September 25, 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 Sergeant James N. Barclay (ASN: 35728417), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in the Philippine Islands, on 28 August 1945. First Lieutenant John F. Dobbs, Second Lieutenant Richard J. Steets, Sergeant James N. Barclay, and Private First Class Catarino H. Cano, were members of an infantry company that was fording the Tuguegarao River, which because of recent heavy rains, was swollen beyond its normal channel, and flowing with extreme swiftness. A human chain had been formed as a safeguard against the swift current, and the uncertain, slippery rocky bed, but four soldiers suddenly lost their grip and were swept downstream. The soldiers were weighted down with full field pack, arms, and steel helmet, and it was evident that they were in great danger. The above named men immediately plunged into the stream and went to the rescue. Each of them grabbed one of the struggling men in the water and after a sustained, fierce struggle with the great weight against the swift stream, successfully arrive on the river bank. The heroic action of these men saved the lives of their comrades. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Sergeant Barclay reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.