Nominations are currently being sought from the Navy’s Chief Petty Officer community for the Inaugural Bob Feller Act of Valor award. Established by the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation, the prestigious award is named in honor of Major League Baseball pitcher, National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, and Navy veteran Bob Feller, a native of Van Meter, IA.

Chief Petty Officer Bob Feller

The unique award is intended to recognize a representative from three critical areas of Mr. Feller’s life: his baseball career, his service as a Navy Chief Petty Officer, and his enshrinement in the Hall of Fame. As such, the award will be presented to one Major League Baseball player, one Navy Chief Petty Officer, and one member of the Hall of Fame on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2013, at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. In recognition of Feller’s significant accomplishment in attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer, nominees must be a Chief Petty Officer (E-7 only), active or reserve, must be outstanding military professionals, and must embody the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment.

Feller enlisted in the Navy shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor while he was with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first American professional athlete to enlist. He served on the battleship USS ALABAMA (BB-60), and while doing so, the ship fought in both World War II theaters and earned eight battle stars. Mr. Feller was released from active duty achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer, and is the only Chief Petty Officer in the Hall of Fame.

Nominations must be submitted to the Navy Office of Community Outreach by June 17. For more information on eligibility requirements and the selection process, see NAVADMIN 138/13.