Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    276th Armored Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    XII Corps

    Action Date:

    March 25, 1945

    Headquarters, XII Corps, General Orders No. 40 (May 22, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Private First Class Rolland C. Wellbaum` (ASN: 6664019), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the 276th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, XII Corps, in action on 25 March 1945, in Germany. After a battalion liaison plane, piloted by Lieutenant Jewett, crashed during a landing near Babanhausen, Germany, after the pilot had been struck by anti-aircraft fire, Private First Class Wellbaum aided in removing the wounded flier from his plane, which was upside down. Gasoline leaking over the hot motor created an ever-present danger from fire or explosion, yet Private First Class Wellbaum ignored the hazard in helping Staff Sergeant White to carry the pilot to safety. His heroism and concern for the welfare of a fellow soldier, despite the personal danger, was in the best traditions of the military service.