Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant [then Corporal]

    Batallion:

    58th Armored Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 24, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 417 (September 13, 1951)

    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 Sergeant [then Corporal] Samuel M. Stewart (ASN: RA-18294094), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Battery B, 58th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action in Korea. On 24 May 1951, near Soksa-ri, Korea, in one of the B Battery’s artillery positions, a trip flare was accidentally exploded in a trailer loaded with many types of munitions. The resulting fire ignited some of these missiles and violent explosions began to emanate from the vehicle placing nearby personnel and other equipment in grave danger. Sergeant Stewart, perceiving a vehicle parked in the immediate proximity of the blazing trailer to be in the most serious position, unhesitatingly left a secure location and, running to the half-track, drove it away from the fire. He then returned and proceeded to unload the smoking equipment and ammunition and to speedily extinguish the blaze. Sergeant Stewart’s heroic actions prevented the loss of much valuable equipment and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.