Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    3d Tank Battalion

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    November 7, 1943

    Commander South Pacific: Serial 001914

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Oscar Salgo (MCSN: 0-14127), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon leader of Company D, Third Tank Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, during combat with enemy Japanese forces in the Bougainville, Solomon Islands Area, on 7 November 1943. Surrounded by large hostile landing forces, while leading a scouting platoon, First Lieutenant Salgo fought valiantly, inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy until receiving orders to set up another position. Finding his platoon cut off by the Japanese from any overland route, he swam a mile under a tremendous barrage of fire and through perilous surf to obtain an amphibious tractor. Using it to reach the main Marine force. He returned with landing boats and skillfully evacuated the entire platoon from its dangerous position. By his outstanding leadership and indomitable fortitude, First Lieutenant Salgo contributed materially to the success of this mission and his steadfast devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.