Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    60th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    9th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 8, 1969

    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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Donald Lincoln Covington, United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Covington distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 July 1969 while serving as a Rifleman with Company B, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Long An Province. As his platoon was nearing a dense stand of nipa palm, it came under sudden automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed enemy bunker complex. Without hesitation, Private Covington boldly charged the hostile position, exposing himself as he did so and incurring wounds which were soon to prove fatal. Repelled in his first advance, Private Covington, with complete disregard for his welfare, began crawling toward the enemy bunker. When he was within five meters of it, he destroyed it with a hand grenade, enabling his comrades to maneuver and crush the hostile force. Private First Class Covington’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.