Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    88th Reconnaissance Squadron

    Action Date:

    September 21, 1936

    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 Kenneth L. Nay (ASN: 6544512), United States Army Air Corps, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving with 88th Reconnaissance Squadron, during a night reconnaissance flight from Hamilton Field, California to San Jose, California, on 21 September 1936. When the pilot was unable to release and extend the landing gear of the airplane, he called for assistance. Private Nay immediately left his cockpit in the nose of the airplane and started back along the top of the fuselage toward the pilot’s cockpit to render the necessary assistance. While attempting this difficult and dangerous feat, Private Nay’s foot came in contact with the left propeller, severing the foot just back of the toes. With great presence of mind, Private Nay returned to his cockpit, placed a tourniquet around his ankle and notified the pilot of his injury.