Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    April 26 – May, 1945

    Private First Class Rural V. Martin (ASN: 33858649), United States Army, was captured by German forces during fighting in the vicinity of Leipheim, Germany, on 26 April 1945, and was held as a Prisoner of War until the end of the war.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    254th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    63d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 26, 1945

    Headquarters, 63d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 318 (July 3, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Rural V. Martin (ASN: 33858649), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 26 April 1945, in the vicinity of Leipholm, Germany. Private First Class Martin was a member of a squad which served as an outpost in the defense of the city. The enemy counterattacked in great strength, and the units on his right and left were forced to withdraw. Displaying great courage he, however, remained in the vital defensive position. The enemy brought intense small arms and rocket fire to bear on the position, surrounded it, and eventually overran the outpost, taking Private First Class Martin prisoner. Private First Class Martin and the other members of the squad bore the brunt of the enemy counterattack for more than an hour and a half, giving the remainder of the company time to organize a successful defense. After the action was finished, sixty enemy dead were counted in front of the position. Private First Class Martin’s magnificent courage and devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.