Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class

    Action Date:

    April 28, 1944

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 06666 (November 17, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Kenneth E. Bostic (NSN: 5701433), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism on 28 April 1944 when the torpedo bomber plane in which he was serving as turret gunner was forced down into the sea. He escaped through the turret hatch and was standing on the wing when he realized that the radioman had not appeared. Disregarding his own safety, and in spite of the fact that he knew the depth charges carried by the plane might go off at any moment, he climbed back into the flooded radio compartment, loosened the safety belt of the semi-conscious and badly injured radioman, pulled him through the escape hatch of the turret and helped him onto a life raft as the plane sank. His quick thinking and effective actions saved the life of a comrade and his performance on this occasion was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.