Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Action Date:

    May 27, 1940

    Decorations U.S. Army 1862 – 1926, Supplement 5 (July 1, 1940 – June 30, 1941)

    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 Bryan Murchison (ASN: 6514667), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, while serving with Detachment, Medical Department, in assisting in the rescue of two officers and five enlisted men from a burning airplane at Muroc Bombing Field, Muroc Lake, California, 27 May 1940. Upon completion of a night bombing mission, an Army airplane while endeavoring to land suddenly went out of control, crashed to the ground and burst into flames, resulting in the death of all but one of the occupants. Rushing to the scene of the accident, Private First Class Murchison, seeing the predicament of the imprisoned officers and enlisted men, with utter disregard of his own personal safety and despite the intense heat and flying debris, assisted in carrying the injured personnel from the burning wreckage. The heroism displayed by Private First Class Murchison on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.