Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer (W-1)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    December 21, 1967

    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 903 (February 22, 1968)

    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 Warrant Officer (W-1) Bernard E. Meister (ASN: W-3154879), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the 189th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, on 2 December 1967. Warrant Officer Meister distinguished himself by valorous actions at Poloi Klang, Republic of Vietnam. He observed an armed helicopter and another helicopter mesh rotor blades on the ground and disintegrate. Realizing that both ships were at the refueling point, and that the fuel and ammunition of the armed ship was a certain fire hazard, he ran approximately one-hundred meters to the stricken ships. Disregarding his own safety, he began pulling rockets and all other explosive ammunition out of the wreckage and throwing it clear of the area now covered with fuel from the ruptured fuel tanks. During the entire action he was drenched with fuel and was in a situation of almost certain death or grievous injury had a fire occurred. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.