Ensign EDWARE C. ZACEK, U.S.N.R. Awarded the NAVY CROSS for extraordinary heroism as Boat Wave Commander during the amphibious assault at Salerno, Italy, September 9, 1943. Undeterred by fierce opposition, Ensign Zacek courageously proceeded through heavy enemy gunfire off the assault beaches and while leading a wave of tank lighters to designated landing positions was seriously wounded in the head and hip. Disregarding his own grave condition, he persisted with the landing operations and ordered the unloading to be continued and boats retracted for return to the ship before he would receive first aid. Ensign Zacek’s exceptioinal fortitude and cool leadership under fire served as an inspiring example to the officers and men participating in the assault and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Ensign Zacek joined the Legion of Valor in 1947 and resided in Nebraska.