Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Batallion:

    197th Field Artillery Battalion

    Action Date:

    March 2, 1956

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 25 (June 27, 1956)

    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 Sergeant First Class Calvin Goss, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Service Battery, 197th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas, near Waco, Texas on 2 March 1956. While driving along the highway on the bank of the Brazos River Private Goss was called upon by a man to rescue a small boy who had been buried under an avalanche of sand and rock. Upon arriving at the scene, a cliff 35 or 40 feet high, Private Goss leaped to the bottom. In spite of a painfully wrenched knee received in the jump he began digging with his hands to uncover the boy. As the digging progressed another side of the cliff gave evidence of imminent sliding but with utter disregard for his own safety he continued to dig until the boy was freed and taken to a place of safety. Private Goss’ prompt and courageous action reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.