Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    July 31, 1957

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 15 (May 2, 1958)

    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 Captain (Infantry) Edwin W. Chamberlain, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 31 July 1957, while assigned as an Instructor, Special Purpose Weapons Committee, Weapons Department, United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia. As Safety Officer for a class undergoing a demonstration in the use of flame throwers, Captain Chamberlain observed that the valve controlling the flow of fuel from the fuel tank of one of the guns was stuck, making it impossible for the gunner to cease-fire when ordered. As the gun was released because of the intense heat, and whipped out of the gunner’s hands and began to operate wild and unmanned, endangering the lives of all personnel in the immediate area. Without hesitation or concern for his own personal safety, Captain Chamberlain grasped the barrel of the gun group, controlled the direction of the flames, and shoved the muzzle of the gun group into the ground, smothering the source of ignition, and extinguishing the flame. Though suffering burns to his face and hands Captain Chamberlain’s prompt action prevented serious injury to members of the class. The presence of mind and unselfish heroism displayed by Captain Chamberlain in this incident reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.