Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Hospital Corpsman First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Marine Special Operations Battalion

    Action Date:

    September 28, 2011

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Hospital Corpsman First Class Justin A. Wilson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On 28 September 2011 while on a mounted patrol, Petty Officer Wilson volunteered to accompany the team’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician to clear an improvised explosive device (IED) from an Afghan Local Police checkpoint. As the EOD Tech entered the checkpoint’s barriers to inspect the IED, there was a large explosion. Despite being disoriented by the dust and overpressure from the blast, and knowing the enemy’s tactic of emplacing multiple IEDs in proximity, Petty Officer Wilson immediately left the safety of his position and searched the checkpoint until he located the severely wounded EOD Tech. Two other team members arrived and were helping move the casualty when a second device exploded, severely wounding Petty Officer Wilson and mortally wounding the others. Ignoring the pain of his own injuries, Petty Officer Wilson focused solely on treating his fellow team members. He dragged one outside the checkpoint and rendered aid until he succumbed, and then searched for the other casualties, who had been blown over the barriers by the second blast. Only after confirming they were already dead did he allow treatment of his own wounds. By his decisive actions, bold initiative, and complete dedication to duty, Petty Officer Wilson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.