Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Hospital Corpsman Third Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    26th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    June 12, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Hospital Corpsman Third Class James Donald Raab (NSN: B-411174), United States Navy, for heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Corpsman with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. On 12 June 1968, while conducting a search and destroy mission near DaNang, Petty Officer Raab’s platoon was entering a graveyard when it suddenly came under intense hostile automatic weapons fire from three directions. Observing a Marine wounded during the initial moments of the fire fight, he unhesitatingly left his position of relative safety and maneuvered across the hazardous area toward the injured man. While attempting to aid his injured comrade, Petty Officer Raab was mortally wounded by enemy fire from a concealed enemy sniper. Petty Officer Raab’s courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. (The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.)