Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fourth Class

    Action Date:

    June 15, 1959

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 43 (December 4, 1959)

    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 Specialist Fourth Class Kenneth W. Hohe, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Medical Detachment, United States Army Hospital, Asmara Eritrea, Ethiopia, on 15 June 1959. Specialist Hohe was a passenger in a Jeep carrying United States mail and following another vehicle over a rugged and winding mountain’s road from Massawa to Asmara, Eritrea. As the leading vehicle rounded a curve, five road bandits armed with rifles stopped it, forced the passengers to dismount and searched and relieved them of personal items. The Jeep rounded the bend shortly thereafter and, spotting the bandits and quickly realizing the precarious position, the members of the second party stopped approximately 75 feet from the lead vehicle. When the bandits approached the Jeep, the driver raised and fired his pistol, hitting the nearest bandit in the abdomen and knocking him to the ground. Without hesitation or concern for his own personal safety, Specialist Hohe drew his pistol and began firing at the remaining bandits who after attempting to return the fire, fled over the retaining wall by the roadside. Specialist Hohe’s prompt response and presence of mind aided in repelling bandits, prevented the loss of United States Government property and Mail and saved the party from the vicious action of bandits known in this area by their ruthless activity. His courageous efforts in this dangerous situation are worthy of emulation, and reflect great credit on himself and the military service.