Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Chief Hull Maintenance Technical (Surface Warfare)

    Action Date:

    December 8, 2011

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Hull Maintenance Technical (Surface Warfare) Aaron P. Lyon, United States Navy, for heroism while serving with Naval Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Pacific Northwest. On 8 December 2011, while driving from work, on Interstate 5 in Tumwater, Washington, Chief Lyon witnessed Mr. Sohi’s truck collide with another vehicle, the impact sent the truck off the shoulder and into trees, where the cab of the truck ignited into flames. Chief Lyon was traveling south when the accident occurred and turned around to render assistance. Without complete regard for his own life and personal safety, he immediately leapt into action and attempted to pull Mr. Sohi from the burning cab. While flames quickly began to engulf the truck, he removed brush and debris from around the driver’s door and forced the door open and attempted to pull the driver free from the cab who was unresponsive and still buckled in. A sudden explosion inside the truck blew Chief Lyon from the cab. Despite his valiant and tenacious efforts, the flames prevented him from any further attempts to rescue Mr. Sohi, who was declared dead at the scene. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Chief Lyon tried to prevent the loss of life, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.