Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    22d Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 21, 1967

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4488 (September 2, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Jerald W. Wilhelm (ASN: US-56378871), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry, 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Sergeant Wilhelm distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 March 1967 while serving as team leader of an infantry unit occupying a fire support base camp deep in hostile territory. During the early morning hours the base camp was attacked by a large Viet Cong force firing mortars, automatic weapons and recoilless rifles. The position occupied by Sergeant Wilhelm and one other man came under heavy attack immediately because of its vital importance in the defense. When his comrade was mortally wounded early in the battle, he continued to defend the position alone with deadly accurate fire to repel the mass assaults. At one point, he allowed a group of Viet Cong to advance close to his position before firing his only Claymore mine causing ten hostile casualties. After his unit withdrew to a more secure position, he took over a machine gun and directed extremely accurate fire on the enemy although he had little experience with the weapon. His courageous actions were instrumental in the defeat of the numerically superior insurgent force. Sergeant Wilhelm’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.