Joseph Wasneski, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U. S. Navy: For extraordinary heroism as Co-Pilot of a Navy Liberator Plane in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands, December 6,1944. With his plane severely damaged during an attack on enemy shipping at Zamboanga, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, (then Ensign) Wasneski skillfully assisted in making a crash-landing at Tacloban airfield. When an attacking hostile plane crashed into a group of parked aircraft at Tacloban and started a severe fire shortly thereafter, he courageously attempted to rescue personnel while the area was being rocked by gasoline and bomb explosions. Although repeatedly knocked down by the concussions, he entered the flaming area three times and, after rescuing two men, threw himself protectively over a third who could not move. His initiative, courage and gallant devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Wasneski and the United States Naval Service.