Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Eddie Edwin Chervony (ASN: US-56694812), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in a military operation involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Chervony distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 5 May 1968 while serving as a communications chief with Battery A, 1st Battalion, 77th Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division. During a combat mission in the Republic of Vietnam, when his unit’s perimeter came under an intense ground attack from a numerically superior enemy force, Sergeant Chervony exposed himself to the hostile fire as he temporarily repelled the enemy attack. Disregarding his own safety he rushed across an open area to secure a machinegun site and began to place accurate suppressive fire upon the enemy. While carrying an injured comrade to safety, Sergeant Chervony was mortally wounded by grenade fragments as he protected his wounded comrade with his body. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    77th Field Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    May 5, 1968

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5164 (November 6, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Eddie Edwin Chervony (ASN: US-56694812), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Battery A, 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Sergeant Chervony distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 May 1968 at Landing Zone Peanuts, west of Khe Sanh. Late at night he detected the start of an attack against his battery position by an estimated North Vietnamese’s Army sapper battalion. He immediately organized his three-man bunker, which was on the portion of the perimeter facing the brunt of the attack, and directed his companions’ fire into the assaulting troops. His element’s ammunition was soon expended and close fighting developed along the perimeter. Sergeant Chervony led his men across and expanse of unprotected exposed terrain to secure an unmanned machine gun. After directing his men to obtain additional ammunition for the weapon, he began placing withering fire into the aggressors. After exhausting his ammunition for the weapon, he took charge of personnel in adjacent positions and directed their deadly fire into the enemy, blunting the attack. Learning that several positions had been overrun, Sergeant Chervony unselfishly exposed himself to the continuing hostile fusillade to assist in rescuing the casualties in them. On separate trips, he evacuated five seriously wounded across one hundred meters of open terrain to a place of safety. When carrying a sixth man to the friendly lines he was cut off by enemy force and was attacked with grenades and satchel charges. While protecting his wounded companion from the satchel charge by covering him with his own body, he received a mortal wound. Sergeant Chervony’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.