Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Action Date:

    March 28, 1964

    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 Private First Class James H. McGee, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 28 March 1964, in Seward, Alaska, while assigned to the Seward Recreation Center. On the day after the treacherous earthquake which devastated Alaska, Private McGee unhesitatingly volunteered to participate in a rescue mission to evacuate a severely injured crewman from a fuel vessel which had been subjected to explosions and fire while anchored in the debris-chocked channel of Resurrection Bay. Despite the after shocks and the violence of the turbulent waters, he joined the rescue party in a twenty-foot launch that had been washed ashore. Throughout the two-mile trip which took two hours, he displayed perseverance and rendered invaluable assistance in guiding the rescue craft toward the hazardous vessel to reach the victim. After the injured seaman was lowered into the launch, he again displayed complete disregard for his own personal safety by willingly remaining aboard the fuel tanker because of the limited weight and space capacity of the rescue boat. Private McGee’s heroic action and deep concern for his fellowman are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.