Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Ordnance Corps)

    Action Date:

    October 1, 1955

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 46 (October 16, 1956)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier’s Medal (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Ordnance Corps) John G. Armour, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 1 October 1955 in the Organ Mountains, Organ, New Mexico. While a member of a party of 4 officers climbing in the Organ Mountains a fellow officer slipped on the rocky surface made extra hazardous by intermittent rain, and felt to the foot of a steep, rugged incline where he was injured and rendered unconscious. A less hazardous route to the injured officer was available but Lieutenant Armour unhesitatingly and in the face of great personal danger attempted to lower himself to the fallen officer by means of a length of rope held fast by another member of the party. In the attempt Lieutenant Armour himself slipped, lost his hold on the rope and fell to his death at the foot of the cliff. Lieutenant Armour’s conspicuous courage and complete disregard for the desperate personal risk involved in the performance of this heroic act reflects great credit on himself and the military service.