Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Armor)

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 18 – 21, 1952

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 429 (1952)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain (Armor) Thomas R. Dent (ASN: 0-1560115), United States Army, for heroic achievement as Commanding Tank Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 18 to 21 September 1952 in the vicinity of Chorwon, North Korea. During that period, Captain Dent displayed outstanding bravery and complete disregard for personal safety as he moved from position to position, supervising the actions and fire of his tanks that were in support of the defense and subsequent recapture of Hill 266, better known as “Old Baldy”. Although painfully injured in a vehicle accident on 16 September 1952, he returned to duty over the protest of the Regimental Surgeon, and assumed full control of his tanks. Continually braving the intense enemy fire, he toured from tank to tank, appraising the situation and directing supporting fire. The outstanding actions of Captain Dent, constantly under intense hostile mortar and artillery fire, greatly inspired all who observed him and the tactical skill he displayed aided materially in the operation. Captain Dent’s consummate devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Armor)

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 28 – 29, 1952

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 341 (September 26, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Captain (Armor) Thomas R. Dent (ASN: 0-1560115), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as Commanding Officer of Tank Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action at Pammol, North Korea on the night of 28-29 July 1952. At about 2230 hours, 28 July 1952, five soldiers, occupants of a 2_ ton truck, had mistakenly taken a ford through the Yong-pyong River which was closed to vehicular traffic due to flood conditions. Answering an emergency alert call, Captain Dent organized a crew of one other officer and four enlisted men, summoned a tank and a wrecker truck, procured chains, ropes and whatever other makeshift devices were available and began a rescue operation which was to last for six hours. With complete disregard for personal safety, Captain Dent organized and led a human chain of four men into the swift current in an attempt to reach the stranded truck. Several attempts were made, but all were unsuccessful. A slip during any of these attempts would have meant certain drowning. Contact was finally made but when an attempt was made to winch the truck to safety, the cable snapped. The truck was finally secured and towed to safety at 0430 hours after the level of the water had risen within one foot of the top of the truck. His prompt and determined action in the face of great danger saved the lives of five soldiers. The heroic actions of Captain Dent reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.