Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Equipment Operator First Class

    Action Date:

    March 30, 1989

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Equipment Operator First Class Brian F. Demello, United States Navy, for heroism while serving as an Equipment Operator with Naval Support Force, Antarctica, Detachment McMurdo, Antarctica, on 10 March 1989. In performing maintenance on the ice pier, Petty Officer Demello noticed Petty Officer Moody complete a forward pass while operating a bulldozer. In so doing, a section of the pier and ice began to break away. The bulldozer with Petty Officer Moody inside sank in the 28 degree Fahrenheit water. Aware of the graver personal danger and with total disregard for his own safety, Petty Officer Demello raced over broken and packed ice and pulled Petty Officer Moody from the freezing water. Petty Officer Demello then removed his protective clothing to shield her form the minus 35 degree Fahrenheit wind chill, thus risking hypothermia. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of imminent danger, Petty Officer Demello undoubtedly saved a fellow sailor from drowning, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service