Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Edwin Morehead, 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.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Division:

    The Pentagon

    Action Date:

    September 11, 2001

    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 Colonel Edwin C. Morehead, 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, Colonel Morehead 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, thick 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. Colonel Morehead 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 commandeered a private vehicle and proceeded to take the victim to the hospital. Because it was not an emergency vehicle, having no emergency sirens or light, it was difficult to get through the snarl of traffic that had developed. Again risking his life, Colonel Morehead exited the vehicle and cleared traffic to allow the makeshift emergency transport to pass. At the hospital with the victim he offered comfort and support. He then returned to The Pentagon to assist in rescue operations by directing traffic on Army Navy Drive well into the afternoon. Colonel Morehead’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.