Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Radarman Second Class

    Action Date:

    October 12, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Radarman Second Class Billy Monroe Brumett (NSN: 6264852), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Radarman Second Class Brumett served under the Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. JAMES S. GILLIS and was transferred , in a draft including Wells (a comrade) to Receiving Station Kubi Saki, Okinawa, a few days prior to the dates and events enumerated. His cool reaction during the emergencies of 12 October 1945 and his integrity in other matters of shipboard routine gained the utmost confidence of his Commanding Officer. Following a blast on that date, Radarman Second Class Brumett came back through the area running at full speed, from tent to tent and from street to street, spreading the alarm at the top of his voice that dynamite was afire, and urging men to flee and clear the area. Many hesitated because it was difficult for them to believe dynamite was in that vicinity. To those he would repeat his warning and urge that they clear the area to save their lives. Many, upon finally realizing that dynamite was there, and afire, replied then that it would probably not explode as there surely would be no fuses or dynamite cups there. To these suggestions, Radarman Second Class Brumett would reply with an urgent demand that all men clear out as fast as they could.