Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Air Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164 (HMM-164)

    Action Date:

    February 29, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Air Medal to Corporal Kenneth Clayton Foran, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-164), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 29 February 1968, Corporal Foran launched as Aerial Gunner aboard the lead aircraft in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned an emergency extraction of a United States Army Special Forces Team that was heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force in the Ashau Valley. Arriving over the designated area, the pilot realized that the mountainous terrain would require a difficult hoist extraction, and as he maneuvered his helicopter into a precarious hover over the beleaguered unit’s position, the aircraft suddenly came under intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Reacting instantly, Corporal Foran commenced delivering a heavy volume of .50 caliber machine gun fire upon the hostile force. As the crew chief operated the hoist, Corporal Foran rapidly moved from one side of the helicopter to the other while alternately employing two machine guns with maximum effectiveness, ensuring that the enemy was continuously subjected to accurate suppressive fire. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting upon his aircraft, he resolutely continued his determined efforts for over twenty minutes, and as the helicopter departed the area, he ably administered first aid to the casualties until reaching a medical facility. His timely actions and calm presence of mind inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the hazardous mission. Corporal Foran’s courage, resolute determination and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

  • Air Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164 (HMM-164)

    Action Date:

    February 29, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Air Medal to Corporal Kenneth Clayton Foran, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-164), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 29 February 1968, Corporal Foran launched as Aerial Gunner aboard the lead aircraft in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned an emergency extraction of a United States Army Special Forces Team that was heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force in the Ashau Valley. Arriving over the designated area, the pilot realized that the mountainous terrain would require a difficult hoist extraction, and as he maneuvered his helicopter into a precarious hover over the beleaguered unit’s position, the aircraft suddenly came under intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Reacting instantly, Corporal Foran commenced delivering a heavy volume of .50 caliber machine gun fire upon the hostile force. As the crew chief operated the hoist, Corporal Foran rapidly moved from one side of the helicopter to the other while alternately employing two machine guns with maximum effectiveness, ensuring that the enemy was continuously subjected to accurate suppressive fire. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting upon his aircraft, he resolutely continued his determined efforts for over twenty minutes, and as the helicopter departed the area, he ably administered first aid to the casualties until reaching a medical facility. His timely actions and calm presence of mind inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the hazardous mission. Corporal Foran’s courage, resolute determination and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.