Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighter Squadron 653 (VF-653)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Valley Forge (CV-45)

    Action Date:

    May 4, 1952

    Board Serial 790 (September 19, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Harlo Edward Sterrett, Jr. (NSN: 0-538313), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighter Squadron SIX HUNDRED FIFTY-THREE (VF-653), attached to the U.S.S. VALLEY FORGE (CV-45), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 4 May 1952. Despite heavy hostile anti-aircraft fire, Ensign Sterrett carried out repeated attacks against enemy railroad installations in the vicinity of Tanchon and succeeded in destroying two vital railroad bridges and damaging a third. Launching a series of coordinated attacks on nearby hostile anti-aircraft gun positions, he scored a direct bomb hit on one and destroyed another with repeated strafing attacks. By his superb airmanship, cool courage and gallant devotion to duty in the face of enemy anti-aircraft fire, Ensign Sterrett was largely responsible for the success of this mission. His heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 653 (VF-653)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Korea)

    Action Date:

    March 30, 1952 – September 2, 1953

    Ensign Harlo Edward Sterrett, Jr. (NSN: 0-538313), United States Navy, was captured by Communist forces after his aircraft was shot down over Korea on 30 March 1952, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his release during Operation Big Switch on 2 September 1953.