Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 21, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 211 (June 22, 1951)

    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 Sergeant Arthur K. Roe (ASN: RA-37246140), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of the 2d Quartermaster Company, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 21 May 1951, in the vicinity of Chudong-ni, Korea. Sergeant Roe observed laborers unloading explosives in the 2d Infantry Division ammunition supply point adjacent to the Quartermaster rations and gasoline dump and troop area. During the process of unloading, the laborers dropped a box of trip flares which immediately burst into flames alongside the partially unloaded truck. After sending the alarm, Sergeant Roe, unmindful of an imminent explosion and with complete disregard for his own safety, proceeded to the side of the flaming box of ammunition, climbed into the deserted truck filled with explosives and flares, and drove through the dump to a safe area in a nearby open field. His alertness and disregard for personal safety prevented the fire from spreading to the vehicle loaded with explosives and undoubtedly prevented loss of life and numerous casualties among the laborers and saved tons of critical supplies and ammunition. The heroism displayed by Sergeant Roe reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.