Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander (MC)

    Action Date:

    June 15 – July 9, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander (MC) Claude R. Bruner (NSN: 0-601111), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while in command of a medical battalion on Saipan, Mariana Islands, from June 15 – July 9, 1944. Lieutenant Commander Bruner’s zeal and devotion to duty in the raining and direction of his medical battalion were in a large part responsible for the efficient handling of many thousands of admissions to the division hospital during the Saipan operation. The establishment of this hospital close to front lines, at the earliest possible time, enabled casualties to receive almost immediate treatment and undoubtedly saved many lives. As assistant to the division surgeon, Lieutenant Commander Bruner performed repeated reconnaissance missions to determine routes of evacuation and sites for medical installations, although exposed to heavy enemy fire on several occasions. Lieutenant Commander Bruner’s outstanding service throughout the operations was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.