Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Radioman Second Class

    Division:

    U.S.S. Sandpiper

    Action Date:

    June 23, 1943

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 334 (January 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Radioman Second Class Lavon R. Hendrickson, United States Navy, for outstanding heroism in rescuing two shipmates from drowning while attached to the U.S.S. SANDPIPER on 23 June 1943. When the U.S.S. SANDPIPER was in a collision at sea, one member of the crew was thrown overboard and another swam to his aid. Because of the heavy sell, these two men were unable to make the ship. With great courage, Radioman Second Class Hendrickson went over the side with a line and life ring and swam through extremely cold and oil covered seas to the two men, thereby effecting the rescue of both men at the risk of his own life. The outstanding courage, fortitude, and decision displayed by Radioman Second Class Hendrickson on this occasion reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.