Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    Division Artillery

    Division:

    7th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 11, 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 Sergeant Charles H. Lembke, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters Battery, 7th Infantry Division Artillery, on 11 June 1959. Sergeant Lembke was in the process of coupling a 2 1/2 ton truck and a radar tracker when the tracker moved forward and threatened to crush a Korean soldier assisting him in this duty. Quickly realizing that the Korean soldier was frozen with fear and unable to move, Sergeant Lembke immediately jumped over the tongue of the tractor mount and, without concern for his own personal safety, pushed the dazed man free of the closing vehicles. In performing this heroic action, Sergeant Lembke was caught between the two heavy vehicles and received severe bruises and lacerations about his chest. His courageous effort saved the Korean soldier from death by preventing him from being crushed around the face and head. The unselfish concern, fearlessness, and quick presence of mind displayed by Sergeant Lembke in this sudden emergency are worthy of emulation and reflect distinct credit on himself and the military service.