Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Platoon Sergeant

    Regiment:

    23d Marines

    Division:

    4th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    July 31, 1944

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 11740 (April 16, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant John G. Benkovich (MCSN: 275753), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Platoon Sergeant of a 37-mm. Gun Platoon serving with Weapons Company, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Mariana Islands, 31 July 1944. Subjected to heavy volleys from Japanese guns while moving to the support of an infantry company, Platoon Sergeant Benkovich immediately directed relentless return fire and, though twice wounded, supervised the evacuation of six casualties and carried out an orderly withdrawal of his unit from an untenable position. Later, when the prime movers had been rendered inoperative and crewmen were unavailable, Platoon Sergeant Benkovich returned alone and dismantled the guns, making them useless to the enemy. His indomitable courage, outstanding fortitude and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.