Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technician Fifth Grade

    Regiment:

    410th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    103d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 13, 1945

    Headquarters, 103d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 156 (May 31, 1945)

    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 Technician Fifth Grade Kenneth R. O’Brien (ASN: 36712669), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States on 13 May 1945 near Innabruck, Austria. Technician O’Brien was assisting in unloading captured enemy ammunition when an explosion occurred, wounding and knocking him unconscious. Regaining consciousness, Technician O’Brien called for his companion who was still in the truck and receiving no answer, tried to pull him off the smoking truck. Able to use only his right arm, he continued the attempt, then slipped and fell as another explosion rocket the vehicle. He then struggled to his feet, moved to the cab, blew the horn and shouted for assistance. Technician O’Brien’s actions in attempting to aid a comrade reflected the highest traditions of the military service.