Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 5, 1950

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 61 (March 17, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Edward Elmore Birchfield (ASN: RA-14292477), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 5 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. The enemy, attacking in overwhelming numbers, had penetrated the front lines and had succeeded in establishing a strong point between Corporal Birchfield’s unit and an adjacent rifle company. Disregarding the intense hostile fire to which he was subjected Corporal Birchfield advanced toward the strong point and single-handedly assaulted the enemy position. During his fearless charge he killed and wounded a great number of the enemy before he was struck and killed by hostile fire. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Birchfield reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.