Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion (Airmobile)

    Regiment:

    5th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

    Action Date:

    June 5, 1969

    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), General Orders No. 10425 (August 26, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Philip J. Gioia, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Gioia distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 5 June 1969, while serving as Company Commander of Company A, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a combat operation in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. While on a combat patrol, a small element of Company A suddenly made contact with a well-entrenched enemy force. In the initial contact the company received several casualties. First Lieutenant Gioia immediately led the third platoon into a flanking position. Exposing himself to the hostile fire, he maneuvered himself to the most forward element, which had been immobilized by the hostile fire. From a position devoid of all cover, he directed his men by use of the radio, voice, and hand signals in order to extricate them from an extremely dangerous position. Never losing control of the tactical situation, First Lieutenant Gioia remained in his isolated position, issuing commands until the termination of the violent action. His courageous professionalism served as a tremendous inspiration to his men. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion (Airmobile)

    Regiment:

    5th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    September 1, 1969

    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), General Orders No. 14672 (November 20, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain (Infantry) Philip J. Gioia, United States Army, for heroism, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Gioia distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 1 September 1969, while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry during a reconnaissance mission near Fire Support Base EAGLE ONE, Republic of Vietnam. While on a reconnaissance mission, an enemy sniper and sapper squad was detected several hundred meters from Captain Gioia’s position. A platoon was detached and met the enemy in an ambush. The intense enemy fire pinned down a number of men of the platoon. Quickly grasping the tactical situation, Captain Gioia quickly organized the main force of the company into a relief force. Personally taking the lead, he moved his men on a sweep toward the area of contact, bravely exposing himself to possible sniper fire. Upon reaching the site of the ambush, the relief force quickly routed the enemy force. Captain Gioia’s display of personal bravery and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion (Airmobile)

    Regiment:

    5th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

    Action Date:

    September 1, 1969

    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), General Orders No. 15335 (December 2, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Philip J. Gioia, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Gioia distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 1 September 1969, while serving as Company Commander of Company A, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a ground reconnaissance in Binh Long Province, Republic of Vietnam. When one of his platoons made contact with an enemy company several hundred meters from the main body of the Company, with complete disregard for his own safety, he quickly organized the remainder of his forces and moved to relieve the beleaguered platoon. As his forces neared the area of contact it was discovered that the enemy was staging a retreat in the face of superior fire power. With tactical competence, Captain Gioia moved his men on line and, personally taking the lead, he began a sweep in pursuit of the fleeing enemy, bravely exposing himself to possible enemy fire. Captain Gioia’s gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    November 26, 1973

    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 Captain (Infantry) Philip J. Gioia, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy at 0030 hours 26 November 1973. At this time Captain Gioia, at great personal risk, rescued a woman trapped in a burning automobile. Although forced to retreat once because of flames, he returned, wrenched open the door, freed the woman from her seatbelt, and extinguished her burning clothing. During this time he received burns to the right arm and head. These actions were accomplished at great risk to Captain Gioia and without regard for his personal safety. Captain Gioia’s commendable achievements, loyalty, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the proudest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.