Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 (HHM-463)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    February 23, 1971

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Michael J. Wasko, Jr. (MCSN: 0-78185), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron FUR HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (HHM-463), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 February 1971, Major Wasko launched as flight leader of four transport helicopters assigned the emergency mission of extracting field artillery pieces and heavy equipment from Fire Support Base HOTEL II, deep in enemy contested territory. Arriving over the beleaguered position, Major Wasko resolutely braved the extremely heavy volume of hostile fire directed at his aircraft as he skillfully maneuvered into the hazardous area, extracted a 105-mm. artillery piece, and delivered it to Fire Support Base DELTA. After two succeeding attempts to enter the extraction site were aborted because of the increased intensity and accuracy of the enemy fire, he commenced his fourth approach to the friendly position and succeeded in attaching one of the two remaining field pieces to his pendant. As he began to lift out of the dangerous zone, the aircraft was struck by enemy mortar and anti-aircraft fire, wounding his copilot and causing such extensive damage to his helicopter that he was forced to land in a nearby gun pit. The enemy immediately began to concentrate their fire upon the downed aircraft and its crew. Major Wasko ignored the heavy volume of North Vietnamese fire as he fearlessly moved across the fire-swept terrain carrying his wounded comrade to the shelter of another gun pit. When a medical evacuation helicopter arrived, he and another Marine placed the wounded man aboard, embarked, and then departed the perilous area. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Major Wasko upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.