The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Technical Sergeant Stanley J. Wawrzyniak (MCSN: 636571), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a member of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 16 April 1952. When an outpost occupied by his unit was subjected to a fierce assault by vastly outnumbering enemy forces and the outpost commander and a section of the area were cut off during the intensive action, Technical Sergeant Wawrzyniak unhesitatingly assumed command of the remaining troops and promptly organized an effective defense against the fanatical attackers. With the position completely encircled and subjected to extremely heavy enemy machine-gun, recoilless rifle, mortar and small-arms fire, he repeatedly braved the hail of blistering fire to reach the groups cut off by the enemy, boldly led the men back into the defensive perimeter, replenished their supply of ammunition and encouraged them in repelling the close-in enemy attacks. Although painfully wounded, he refused immediate treatment for himself, dressed the wounds of other casualties and assisted the stricken men to the safety of the bunkers before accepting medical aid. By his outstanding courage, inspiring leadership and valiant devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds, Technical Sergeant Wawrzyniak was greatly instrumental in the successful defense of the outpost and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Staff Sergeant Stanley J. Wawrzyniak (MCSN: 636571), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Gunnery Sergeant of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 19 September 1951. Voluntarily joining the leading assault squad in his company’s final attack against a heavily fortified and strongly defended enemy hill position, Staff Sergeant Wawrzyniak courageously exposed himself to a hail of intense, hostile small-arms and grenade fire to move along the line, encouraging the men and pointing out targets for their fire. As the unit neared the crest of the hill, he observed an enemy position which threatened the squad’s entire left flank and, single-handedly charging the emplacement, killed its three occupants. Although painfully wounded by an enemy grenade during the action, he immediately rejoined the attack and, seizing an automatic rifle from a fallen comrade when his own ammunition was exhausted, aggressively aided the squad in overrunning the position, directed the pursuit of the fleeing enemy and consolidated the ground. By his daring initiative, gallant determination and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of heavy hostile opposition, Staff Sergeant Wawrzyniak served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the success achieved by his company, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.