Stanley J. Wawrzyniak, US Marine Corps: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Gunnery Sergeant of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 19 September 1951. Voluntarily joining the leading assault squad in his company’s final attack against a heavily fortified and strongly defended enemy hill position, Staff Sergeant Wawrzyniak courageously exposed himself to a hail of intense, hostile small-arms and grenade fire to move along the line, encouraging the men and pointing out targets for their fire. As the unit neared the crest of the hill, he observed an enemy position which threatened the squad’s entire left flank and, single-handedly charging the emplacement, killed its three occupants. Although painfully wounded by an enemy grenade during the action, he immediately rejoined the attack and, seizing an automatic rifle from a fallen comrade when his own ammunition was exhausted, aggressively aided the squad in overrunning the position, directed the pursuit of the fleeing enemy and consolidated the ground. By his daring initiative, gallant determination and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of heavy hostile opposition, Staff Sergeant Wawrzyniak served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the success achieved by his company, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

View Sergeant Wawrzyniak’s Gold Star citation.