Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Headquarters Battalion

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    December 6 & 7, 1950

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Eugene J. Ambrosia (MCSN: 0-48426), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the Military Police Company, Headquarters Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 6 and 7 December 1950. At his post in the center section of the convoy and directing traffic on the main supply route during the advance of his Division from Hagaru-ri to Koto-ri, First Lieutenant Ambrosia was quick to act when numerically superior hostile forces launched a fanatical attack with small arms, machine guns and mortars and succeeded in cutting the column into three sections. After organizing a defensive perimeter around his sector, he assisted the commanding officer in establishing a defense for the entire convoy and, although painfully wounded, constantly exposed himself to the intense fire while directing and employing his men to maximum advantage. Seizing a box of grenades on one occasion, he charged across 50 yards of open fire-swept terrain to within 25 yards of the enemy and hurled hand grenades with deadly accuracy, inflicting numerous casualties and assisting in repelling the onslaught. His superb leadership, dauntless courage and inspiring efforts were contributing factors in the safe passage of the convoy to its destination and reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Ambrosia and the United States Naval Service.