Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant [then Private First Class]

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    254th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    63d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 1, 1945

    Headquarters, 63d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 218 (June 11, 1945)

    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 [then Private First Class] Earl E. Martin (ASN: 39724372), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with the enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, on 1 April 1945, in the vicinity of Manneheim, Germany. When a foot bridge collapsed, about thirty men were thrown in to the icy water. Sergeant Martin, having reached the bank, stripped off his clothes and dove back to save a drowning soldier. Although he was unsuccessful, the thirty minute struggle in cold water and a swift current bears witness to Sergeant Martin’s courage and physical stamina. The calmness with which he risked his life to save a soldier reflects great credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.