Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Chief Warrant Officer Five (CWO-5) Paul Heggood, United States Army, for heroism above and beyond the call of duty on 11 September 2001, after a hijacked airline flight, with over 30,000 pounds of jet fuel was used by international terrorists as a weapon to attack the Pentagon. Immediately upon impact, Chief Warrant Officer Five Heggood entered the damaged area at Corridor 4 E-Ring and began rescue efforts. Initially he assisted survivors as they escaped from the wreckage and debris. However, even though encountering intense heat, chick toxic smoke, and at one point, an immense wall of flames that reached from the first floor through the roof, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he proceeded deeper into the area of impact along the E-Ring, pulling injured and wounded from the wreckage. Chief Warrant Officer Five Heggood worked feverishly for hours, attempting to enter Corridor 5 through the B-Ring to rescue more victims. One victim was so severely injured that he assisted in the commandeering of a private vehicle and proceeded to take the victim to the hospital. He then remained at the hospital with the victim offering comfort and support. Afterwards, he returned to the scene again to assist in the rescue operation. Chief Warrant Officer Five Heggood’s heroic acts are a testament of his bravery and reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Chief Warrant Officer Five (CWO-5)

    Division:

    The Pentagon

    Action Date:

    September 11, 2001

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Chief Warrant Officer Five (CWO-5) Paul Heggood, United States Army, was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 11 September 2001 in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on The Pentagon.