Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Fireman First Class

    Division:

    U.S.S. Weight

    Action Date:

    March 31, 1944

    Commander 8th Fleet: Serial 4952 (August 31, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Fireman First Class John W. Brady (NSN: 2392744), United States Navy, for heroism while serving with a fire fighting unit attached to the U.S.S. WEIGHT in Bagnoli, Italy, on 31 March 1944. During the morning of 31 March 1944, Fireman First Class Brady, along with two other men, was engaged in fighting a fire in the hold of the S.S. RICHARD STOCKTON when gas, which had been genera ted by the heat of the fire, exploded, and enveloped one of the men in flames. With complete disregard for his own safety, Fireman First Class Brady entered the flames to effect the rescue of the badly burned man. In so doing, it was necessary for him to pull on a steel wire life line attached to the man, which was so hot that it burned through his gloves into the flesh of his hands, causing severe third degree burns. With the utmost fortitude despite this pain, he continued his assistance and successfully completed the rescue, thereby contributing to the probable saving of life. The extraordinary heroism, self-sacrificing efforts, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Fireman First Class Brady were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.