Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    June 11, 1945

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 031621 (October 25, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Sidney Wasserman (MCSN: 0-41685), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Leader attached to Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division during action on enemy Japanese held Okinawa, Ryukyu Group on 11 June 1945. With his platoon’s advance disrupted by heavy automatic weapons fire, Second Lieutenant Wasserman ran forward of the lines to seek a covered route by which his men could advance and returned to lead his unit to a position near the objective. Twice he re-organized his scattered platoon under intense hostile barrages. When the attack from his position was halted by machine gun fire, he launched a lone assault against the Japanese destroying an enemy emplacement before he fell, fatally wounded. His outstanding leadership, initiative and unwavering devotion to duty inspired his men to complete their mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.