Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    May 14, 1945

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 032485 (September 18, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Earle Henry Biddle, Jr. (NSN: 6132960), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity against the enemy while serving as a Hospital Corpsman with Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 14 May 1945. The rifle platoon to which Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Biddle was attached was engaged in an extremely bitter fire fight when two men were severely wounded byfire from an enemy machine gun. One of the men attempted to crawl to safety but was hit again by fire from the enemy. Despite the warnings of his comrades, he left his covered position and ran forward into the line of hostile fire to administer first aid to the wounded men. After bandaging the first man’s wounds, he dragged him to a position of temporary safety. One more he went forward into the face of the machine gun and sniper fire to treat the second wounded man but he was seriously wounded before he could get to him. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Biddle’s outstanding courage, complete disregard for his own safety, and heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.