Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    14th Infantry Regiment

    Action Date:

    January 17, 1937

    War Department, General Orders No. 5 (1937)

    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 Jack S. Burch (ASN: 6397033), United States Army, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving with Company F, 14th Infantry Regiment, while attempting to rescue two soldiers from drowning southwest of Inglesia Point, on the Fort Sherman Reservation, Canal Zone, 17 January 1937. Hearing cries for help, Private Burch in company with four other soldiers rushed to the scene, where they formed a chain by grasping hands down a crevice in the rocks to the water’s edge: Private Burch being at the water’s edge. By means of a pole they succeeded in rescuing one of the soldiers. Unable to rescue the other soldier in this manner, Private Burch, without hesitation, plunged into the sea and swam to the drowning man, but before he could effect the rescue, they were crashed against a ledge. Becoming exhausted himself, Private Burch was rescued by his companions. Although Private Burch was unsuccessful in rescuing this soldier, his brave attempt in the rough waters characterizes it as an act of heroism.