Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technician Fifth Grade

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    128th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    32d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 19, 1942

    Headquarters, Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 14 (January 30, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Technician Fifth Grade Edwin C. Derosier (ASN: 36209011), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with an Infantry Company of the 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 19 November 1942, during the Papuan Campaign in Buna. Technician Fifth Grade Derosier braved enemy fire to give medical aid to front line soldiers. A member of a medical detachment, he crawled out seven times into the jungle front lines facing Japanese machine guns and mortar fire. With complete disregard for his own safety he attended 400 men, while directly under heavy enemy machine gun fire, calmly bandaged and taped their wounds. He was killed in action by enemy machine gun fire. Technician Fifth Grade Derosier’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.