Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander (MC)

    Action Date:

    October 21, 1944 – March 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander (MC) Martin S. Buehler (NSN: 0-99388), United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Philippine Islands during the period from 21 October 1944 to March 1945. Dr. Buehler, a former Naval Officer, was attached to the 7th Infantry, U.S. Army, as a Senior Medical Officer, Navy Civil Affairs Unit which landed at Dulag, Leyte, on 21 October 1944. While in the Philippines, he was in charge of the medical care of 35,000 homeless Filipinos. He went to many places in Leyte and Samar looking after the health and welfare of Army personnel and their families, as well as of civilian population in the area. He served thousands of Filipinos suffering from different sickness such as yaws, malaria and tropical ulcer. His services were of great value to so many Filipinos in Leyte and Samar. Through his efforts, the prevention of the spread of contagious diseases saved many lives. His demonstrative sound judgment, initiative and resourcefulness helped to ease the lives of the war sufferers. (Commander Buehler is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)