Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Chief Hospital Corpsman

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Reinforced)

    Action Date:

    September 22, 1950

    Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 18134 (November 27 1950)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chief Hospital Corpsman Wayne D. Austin (NSN: 3167617), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Corpsman attached to the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Seoul, Korea, on 22 September 1950. At approximately 1645 the battalion aid station and supply dump was brought under heavy fire by enemy artillery and mortar shells, killing 7 and wounding 22 Marines. Chief Hospital Corpsman Austin, while administering aid to the wounded Marines, was severely wounded in the face, right shoulder, left arm, chest, thighs and suffered a fracture of the right ankle. He applied a compress to his ankle to partially control hemorrhage and with absolute disregard for the pain and loss of blood he continued to administer aid to the wounded. Those wounded that he could not reach were given aid by the uninjured who he instructed as he moved among the wounded. He then assisted in the organization of an evacuation party and helped load the wounded Marines into ambulances. He administered treatment to ten wounded after he was wounded and it was only after all wounded had been given medical aid and evacuated that he accepted further aid and evacuation for himself. Chief Hospital Corpsman Austin’s display of outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the traditions of the United States Naval Service.