Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    February 21 – 28, 1945

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 34875 (September 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Walter Slovinsky (MCSN: 392324), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Platoon Leader of a Machine Gun Platoon while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 21 to 28 February 1945. Held up with his advancing company by heavy rifle fire, machine-gun and mortar fire from the flank, Sergeant Slovinsky observed his unit to be suffering from severe casualties and, determined to turn the battle against the enemy, boldly advanced forward of the lines, courageously risking his own life to reconnoiter the heavily fortified positions. Locating the hostile strong points, he led a section of his machine guns forward, established them for maximum combat advantage, then deployed his platoon so that effective fire could be brought to bear upon the concealed Japanese. Although mortally wounded in the furious action, Sergeant Slovinsky, by his skillful leadership, outstanding courage and valiant devotion to duty, had enabled his men to neutralize the enemy firepower, thereby insuring their continued advance. His resolute fortitude and decisive conduct in the face of extreme peril reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Slovinsky and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.