Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    96th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion

    Action Date:

    July 31, 1957

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 58 (November 27, 1957)

    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 Private First Class William R. T. Roe, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery C, 96th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion (120-mm. Gun), at Anchorage, Alaska, on 31 July 1957. While seated with two of his fellow soldiers in an automobile parked near Merrill Field, Private Roe observed the crash of a light plane some 200 yards away. Running immediately to the scene of the crash, Private Roe and his companions saw that fire from the motor threatened gasoline leaking from the fuel tank of the aircraft. Private Roe extinguished the fire and then assisted the others searching for survivors. In the darkness it was necessary to move both the fuselage and one of the wings to locate them. Working quickly with disregard for their personal safety the soldiers located and removed four unconscious survivors from the wreckage. The immediate, effective action by Private Roe prevented the burning of the aircraft and made possible the rescue of its passengers, reflecting great credit on himself and the military service.