Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lance Corporal

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    August 13, 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Eugene J. Sakowski (MCSN: 2484720), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company L, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 13 August 1969, Company L was participating in a battalion-size search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province. As the battalion advanced across a series of open rice paddies, the Marines came under intense hostile automatic weapons fire from a battalion-sized North Vietnamese Army unit entrenched in a tree line. Company L joined other elements of the battalion as part of an enveloping force and Lance Corporal Sakowski fearlessly maneuvered his fire team across the fire-swept terrain to enable the company to pivot on his position. As a result of his bold actions, the rest of the company was able to quickly move into position without sustaining casualties. When the company began to maneuver along the tree line, his squad moved approximately 125 meters inside the tree line until the Marines came to a break in the trees and entered an open area. As they did so, the squad came under a heavy volume of enemy fire and Lance Corporal Sakowski was seriously wounded, however, he directed his men forward into the next section of the tree line and kept them moving. Despite his own wounds, he unhesitatingly rendered first aid to another casualty, and while doing so was wounded again, this time by the nearby explosion of a hostile mortar round. Steadfastly struggling to his feet, Lance Corporal Sakowski, with the aid of another Marine, moved the casualty to a covered position from which he could be evacuated. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the life of a wounded Marine. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Sakowski upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.