Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Richard Earl Carberry (ASN: 0-348558), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Chaplain with the 45th Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scouts), in action against the enemy in the vicinity of the junction of Trails 8 and 29, Bataan, Philippine Islands, on 7 April 1942. When the unit to which he was assigned had made contact with the enemy forces in prepared positions, and was subjected to intense and sustained fire from hostile mortars, machine guns, and small arms, Chaplain Carberry repeatedly disregarded concern for personal safety in administering to the comfort of the wounded and generally ministering to the spiritual welfare of the troops. His gallant courage and devotion to duty in repeatedly traversing the length of the convoy while under enemy fire did by word and deed raise the morale of the unit to a large extent and contributed greatly to the subsequent combat efficiency of the troops. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Carberry, 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

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    45th Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scouts)

    Action Date:

    January 24, 1942

    Headquarters, I Philippine Corps, General Orders No. 21 (February 12, 1942)

    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 (Chaplain’s Corps) Richard Earl Carberry (ASN: 0-348558), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Chaplain with the 45th Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scouts), in action against the enemy at Abucay Hacienda, Bataan, Philippine Islands, on 24 January 1942. While the Command Post of the 45th Infantry was undergoing a direct enemy artillery shelling of several hours duration, he heard the men call out that Sergeant Jacinto M. Saquing was wounded. Captain Carberry, with utter disregard for his own safety, left his foxhole and dashed some 40 yards to the mortally wounded Sergeant Saquing, and remained with him rendering him spiritual sustenance while enemy shells burst all around. Chaplain Carberry’s faith and fearless attention to duty gave the entire command renewed hope and calmed the shocked personnel at the height of the danger. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Carberry, 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.