Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major [then Captain]

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    April 13, 1951

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major [then Captain] William J. Longfellow (MCSN: 0-28580), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 13 April 1951, while serving with Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-214). Answering an urgent call for volunteers to make a hazardous strike flight late in the afternoon under marginal weather conditions, Major Longfellow, as flight leader, was assigned the mission of escorting a helicopter deep into enemy-occupied territory to effect the rescue of a pilot shot down by hostile anti-aircraft fire. Upon reaching the objective, he flight was subjected to extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire, resulting in the crash-landing of the helicopter in the vicinity of the downed pilot. After calling for another helicopter and dispatching one section of the flight to escort this helicopter to the scene of action, Major Longfellow and his wingman remained over the three downed airmen and repeatedly made dangerously low-level strafing attacks to prevent enemy forces from closing upon the airmen on the ground. Remaining in the area for the next hour and a half until another helicopter arrived, Major Longfellow coordinated the rescue operations and was instrumental in destroying six anti-aircraft gun positions and a large number of enemy personnel. On 14 April 1951, he returned to the scene of the rescue and destroyed the downed helicopter which was in the process of being removed by enemy forces. During this action, an antiaircraft position was destroyed, and a number of enemy personnel killed. Major Longfellow’s skill, courage, and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214)

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain William J. Longfellow (MCSN: 0-28580), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, in action against enemy forces while serving with Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-214) in Korea.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214)

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: William J. Longfellow (MCSN: 0-28580), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, in action against enemy forces while serving with Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-214) in Korea.