Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Action Date:

    July 30, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Ensign Richard L. Breidenbach, United States Navy, for heroism in facilitating the rescue of personnel on a grounded vessel, on 30 July 1945, near the Islands of Maui, Territory of Hawaii. When this ship ran aground on a coral reef and repeated attempts to reach the stranded vessel had proven unsuccessful, he, with outstanding courage and skill, voluntarily swam through the heavy surf in order to get a line passed to the craft. He then aided materially in rescuing numerous other passengers and crew members of the stricken vessel. Through his meritorious achievement and profound devotion to duty, he proved to be an inspiration to all. His heroic conduct performed in the face of great danger to himself, was outstanding.