Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Action Date:

    August 15, 1944

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 124 (November 24, 1944)

    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 Ensign William M. Rogoff (NSN: 293522), United States Navy, for heroism in New Guinea on 15 August 1944. Ensign Rogoff, hearing a call for help from a soldier in a rough sea, exercised great presence of mind in giving instructions to secure a boat, an ambulance, and medical attendance. He then plunged into the heavy surf in an attempt to rescue the drowning man. After searching for thirty minutes against a strong undertow, he was forced by exhaustion to return to shore. Ensign Rogoff demonstrated great courage in braving heavy seas in an effort to save the life of the soldier.