Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    442d Regimental Combat Team

    Action Date:

    September 1, 1945

    Headquarters, Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 258 (October 2, 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 Private First Class Arthur M. Fukuoka (ASN: 39916372), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States. While serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, on 1 September 1945 near Marina di Pisa, Italy. Upon noticing a swimmer in great difficulty about 100 yards from shore, Private First Class Fukuoka, in spite of the dangerous waves and strong undertow and though other men dared not venture out to the struggling man, completely disregarded the fact that he himself was not an expert swimmer and plunged into the dangerous water. Battling against the rough water he reached the drowning man and guided him to within reach of others who had come to his aid. Exhausted by his efforts, Private First Class Fukuoka was swept under the waves by a undertow, thus losing his life after rescuing another. His courage and self-sacrifice in giving his own life to save that of another is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.