Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    142d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    36th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 64 (March 5, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joseph J. Eustachewich, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action on 8 January 1945 in France. The area occupied by Company C was subjected to a heavy mortar barrage; and a nearby tank, receiving a direct hit, burst into flames. Private First Class Eustachewich, a platoon aid man, left his place of comparative safety and swiftly ran across an open field to a wounded man lying beside the tank. Although exposed to mortar and machine gun fire, he carried the casualty 50 yards alone and then, with the assistance of the tank commander, over the remaining 20 yards to a covered position. While searching for litter bearers, Private First Class Eustachewich was knocked unconscious by a shell concussion. Regaining consciousness a few minutes later, he located several riflemen who evacuated the injured soldier. His courageous action, at the risk of his own life, assured the wounded man of prompt medical attention.