Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Division:

    1st Armored Division

    Action Date:

    October 18 & 19, 1944

    Headquarters, 1st Armored Division, General Orders No. 99 (December 19, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Alan V. Bodene (ASN: 0-452803), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Armored Division on 18 and 19 October 1944, in the vicinity of Monterumici, Italy. Captain Bodene, Company A of an armored infantry battalion, after several unsuccessful attempts by his company to capture the hill of Monterumici, personally led a patrol of fifteen men to determine the exact enemy dispositions on the hill. Working his way up to a small ridge through an area swept by machine gun fire, Captain Bodene personally captured the machine gun position and killed the crew. Then, while stubbornly defending the small ridge until it had become untenable by enemy small arms, mortar, and artillery fire, Captain Bodene was wounded in both hands. In an outstanding display of determination and courage, Captain Bodene refused evacuation and led his company in another attack on the hill the following morning and continued to remain with his men until the completion of the operation. The courage, absolute disregard for his own personal safety, and devotion beyond the call of duty displayed by Captain Bodene reflect the finest traditions of the armed forces and are worthy of the highest praise.