Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Airman Third Class

    Batallion:

    6161st Installations Squadron

    Action Date:

    November 18, 1951

    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 235 (May 17,1952)

    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 Airman Third Class Herman Breeding, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving actual conflict with an enemy while on serving with a crash rescue crew, 6161st Air Installations Squadron, Yokota Air Base, on the night of 18 November 1951. Airman Breeding and his crew rushed to the scene of a B-29 type aircraft which had crashed while taking off on an operational mission with a full complement of bombs. In spite of his awareness of the danger of an explosion of high octane fuel and bombs, Airman Breeding attempted to enter the burning aircraft to remove crew members whom he believed trapped in the wreckage. Through his act of heroism and selfless courage in the performance of service far beyond the normal call of duty, Airman Breeding reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.