Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    13th Field Artillery

    Action Date:

    February 2, 1932

    War Department, General Orders No. 4 (1933)

    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 First Class Rolla S. Medley (ASN: R-2869711), United States Army, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving with Service Battery, 13th Field Artillery, on the night of 2 February 1932, on the United States Naval Mooring Mast Reservation, Ewa, Territory of Hawaii. During the joint Army and Navy maneuvers while gasoline was being delivered from the tank truck to the tractors of Battery A, 13th Field Artillery, a soldier approached with a lighted kerosene lantern causing the gasoline fumes to ignite. With utter disregard of his own personal danger Private Medley immediately reached through the burning gasoline, shut off the flow of gasoline from the tank truck, and then dragged the flaming gasoline container from under the truck, thus preventing an explosion that would undoubtedly have resulted in serious loss of life and property. The heroic conduct and devotion to duty displayed by Private Medley reflect great credit upon himself and the Army.