Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Field Artillery), [then Captain]

    Division:

    Missouri Army National Guard

    Action Date:

    August 6, 1963

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 28 (August 24, 1964)

    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 Major (Field Artillery), [then Captain] Jesse H. Otte, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with the Missouri National Guard at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, on 6 August 1963, while attending annual active duty training. When Major Otte witnessed the crash of a light Army aircraft within the proximity of his location, he rushed to the downed plane to render assistance and saw its engine in flames. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and ignoring the danger of gasoline explosion, he unhesitatingly approached the burning aircraft to participate with others on the scene in extracting the pilot. Despite the intense heat and smoke filled cabin, he assisted in freeing the aviator from the safety harness and carrying him away from the burning aircraft moments before it was entirely engulfed in flames. Major Ott’s prompt and heroic action in this emergency is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.