Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Ordnance Corps)

    Division:

    EIGHTH U.S. Army

    Action Date:

    October 4 & 5, 1950

    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 144 (March 16, 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 Lieutenant Colonel (Ordnance Corps) Lawrence H. Prather, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving as a member of Headquarters Eighth United States Army, Korea, for heroic action near Kumchon, Korea on 4 and 5 October 1950. On 4 October 1950, Lieutenant Colonel Prather, learning that a railway tunnel was blocked by burning and exploding ammunition, and realizing the importance of the tunnel to our advancing forces, proceeded immediately to the site. Intense heat and smoke, and danger from exploding ammunition made entrance to the tunnel extremely hazardous, but Lieutenant Colonel Prather and three companions, without regard to their own safety, entered the north end of the tunnel and cleared live ammunition to the edge of the fire. The following day, Lieutenant Colonel Prather and his companions entered the south end of the tunnel and completely cleared it of all hazardous ammunition, enabling railway wrecking crews to work in the tunnel in comparative safety. The heroic action of Lieutenant Colonel Prather reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.