Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Fireman

    Division:

    U.S.S. Whipple (FF-1062)

    Action Date:

    August 22, 1978

    All Hands (January 1980)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Fireman Milton Smith, United States Navy, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism at the risk of life on 22 August 1978 while serving aboard the U.S.S. WHIPPLE (FF-1062) off the coast of Vietnam. Fireman Smith and three comrades heroically rescued Vietnamese refugees in a small wooden boat that had been at sea for four days and was in danger of sinking during a storm at sea. His heroism was instrumental in saving the lives of 410 men, women and children.