Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Corps of Engineers) Harold Thirwell Gewald (ASN: 0-890020), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, Philippine Department, in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands in 1942. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Corps of Engineers)

    Batallion:

    803d Engineer Battalion (Aviation)

    Division:

    U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE)

    Action Date:

    April 19 – 29, 1942

    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 408 (December 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Corps of Engineers) Harold Thirwell Gewald (ASN: 0-890020), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 803d Engineer Battalion (Aviation) , U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), in action against enemy forces from 19 to 29 April 1942. During the siege of Corregidor, Headquarters, Harbor Defenses, Manila and Subic Bays, Philippine Islands, sent out a call for volunteers to man fixed artillery fire control observation stations at strategic points in the Island. Captain Gewald, with utter disregard for his personal safety, volunteered and was assigned to the station on Malinta Hill, Corregidor. Although the post was the target of relentless artillery and aerial bombardment, he served on alternate twenty-four hours with marked skill and efficiency throughout his extended service on Corregidor, which was terminated by his untimely death on 29 April 1945 when an enemy artillery projectile exploded near his station. He procured and transmitted a wealth of vital information concerning enemy costal activities which proved invaluable to personnel engaged in counter-artillery fire. Through his outstanding loyalty and devotion to duty, Captain Gewald made a distinct contribution to the defense of Corregidor and set an example of heroism which is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.