Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Medical Corps)

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 24, 1950

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 115 (April 25, 1953)

    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 Major (Medical Corps) Raymond L. Bennett, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the Medical Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action in Korea. On 24 December 1950, during the evacuation of Pink Beach, Hungnam, Korea, a fire on the beach got out of control and ignited a large dump of high explosive and white phosphorous mortar ammunition causing a series of severe explosions. Major Bennett at this time was operating the Regimental Aid Station, 7th Infantry Regiment, on Pink Beach from fifty to one hundred yards from the various piles of exploding ammunition. With intrepidity and at the great risk to his own life, Major Bennett remained at his post supervising the hasty treatment of casualties and their evacuation via landing craft. Despite continual danger from flying fragments he further exposed himself in searching the surrounding area, including the shallow water, in an attempt to rescue still more wounded. The courage and regard for his fellow men displayed by Major Bennett reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.