Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant [then Corporal]

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 28, 1950

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 17 (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 Sergeant [then Corporal] Richard L. Blanchard (ASN: ER-36980982), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Company, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 28 November 1950, near Majon-ni, Korea, Sergeant Blanchard, driver of a litter jeep accompanying an attacking force of the first battalion, received an urgent request to move to one of the company positions and evacuate the wounded. Unhesitatingly, accompanied by two companions, he proceeded forward in his jeep through intense enemy fire. Momentarily he was forced to halt and seek cover due to the enemy fire being placed on his vehicle. Then with utter disregard for his own personal safety, he proceeded on through this enemy fire until he reached a wounded man. Upon learning of two more wounded men, he drove several hundred yards farther, placed the wounded in the litter jeep, and he successfully evacuated all three of the wounded to positions of safety. The heroism displayed by Sergeant Blanchard reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.