Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Airman

    Division:

    U.S.S. Philippine Sea (CVA-47)

    Action Date:

    December 5, 1957

    All Hands (August 1959)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Airman George H. Moore, United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving on board U.S.S. PHILIPPINE SEA (CVA-47) in waters off the coast of Southern California on the night of 5 December 1957. When an aircraft crashed and started burning on the flight deck of PHILIPPINE SEA during a night landing, Airman Moore raced to the nearest salt-water hose station, enlisted the aid of some nearby shipmates, and effected the first play of water on the flaming aircraft. Observing the unsuccessful attempts to extricate the trapped pilot from the cockpit, he entered the hot, smoldering cockpit and freed the trapped pilot. Before leaving the aircraft, he entered the after crew’s compartment which was still aflame, and made sure that no one was left. As a result of his rescue work, he sustained lacerations and first degree burns. During his heroic efforts he faced grave dangers from fire, asphyxiation and possible imminent explosion.