Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fifth Class

    Batallion:

    54th Engineer Battalion

    Action Date:

    March 14, 1975

    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 Specialist Fifth Class Daniel D. Morriss, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. On 14 March 1975, Specialist Fifth Class Morriss, Company C, 54th Engineer Battalion, did heroically distinguish himself by act of saving the life of Private First Class Charles V. Hartnagel, and in doing so he risked his own life. Private Hartnagel was loading a 25-ton D-7F Bulldozer onto a lowbed trailer of a 10-ton Primemover. It was a very rainy day and the area was muddy. As Private Hartnagel brought the bulldozer to rest on the lowbed trailer, it began to slide sideways off the trailer. Private Hartnagel was unable to jump free of the bulldozer as it overturned and was pinned beneath it. Specialist Morriss realized that if something was not done immediately Private Hartnagel would surely die within a matter of seconds. Specialist Morriss summoned for help to lift the bulldozer. Noticing that Private Hartnagel was not breathing and his body was turning blue, Specialist Morriss administered mouth to mouth resuscitation disregarding the knowledge that the tools being used to lift the bulldozer could either slip or give way causing him to be crushed. Specialist Morriss continued mouth to mouth resuscitation until Private Hartnagel was revived and removed from beneath the bulldozer. It took approximately thirty minutes with the aid of a Bucket Loader, four each 5-ton jacks, and the help of several men before the bulldozer could be raised high enough to free Private Hartnagel. This brave and noble act by Specialist Morriss brings great credit upon him, this unit, and the United States Army.