Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Robert Besson (ASN: 0-20771), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from July 1960 to July 1967.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment (PS)

    Division:

    21st Division, Philippine Army

    Action Date:

    December 26, 1941

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 14 (January 26, 1942)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Robert Besson (ASN: 0-20771), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scouts), 21st Division, Philippine Army, in action against an armed enemy at Carman, Pangasinan, Philippine Islands, on 26 December 1941. Captain Besson’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 3, 1950

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 39 (February 6, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Robert Besson (ASN: 0-20771), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 3 December 1950, in the vicinity of Husksu-ri, Korea, the 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, was attacked by an estimated two enemy regiments. During the attack Lieutenant Colonel Besson, the Battalion Commander, continually exposed himself to heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire by moving from position to position to direct the defense of the battalion, and encouraging and inspiring the men in their efforts. Lieutenant Colonel Besson rallied the battalion and organized a withdrawal. The personal bravery, professional skill, and outstanding devotion to duty of Lieutenant Colonel Besson gave confidence to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands & Japan)

    Action Date:

    May 1942 – August 1945

    Captain (Infantry) Robert Besson (ASN: 0-20771), United States Army, was captured by the Japanese after the fall the Philippine Islands in 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military control at the end of hostilities in August 1945.