The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Joseph Anthony Terzi (MCSN: 0-8923), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while a member of Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Tenaru Sector, Guadalcanal, Solomon, Islands on 13 – 17 September 1942. Having established an outlying listening post on the night of September 13, Second Lieutenant Terzi volunteered to remain with five of his men to open fire and withdraw to a more advantageous position giving his only weapon to a man whose machine gun had jammed. When again surrounded by a large enemy force and evacuation became necessary he instructed each man how to reach the front lines with the result that four of his men came through safely and much valuable information was obtained and used.
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Cemetery:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine DivisionAction Date:
September 13 – 17, 1942
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine DivisionAction Date:
December 26, 1943
SPOT AWARD, Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 1291 (SofN Signed September 13, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Joseph Anthony Terzi (MCSN: 0-8923), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving as Commanding Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island, on 26 December 1943. Realizing that the nature of the terrain made a powerful frontal assault necessary when his right assault company was stopped by concentrated enemy rifle and machine-gun fire, Captain Terzi notified his battalion commanding officer of the situation, then boldly led his men in a savage frontal attack, fighting valiantly until he was killed by Japanese fire. By his able strategy and determined aggressiveness, Captain Terzi inspired his men to carry through the assault with much splendid and heroic effort that all enemy resistance was completely destroyed. His forceful initiative, steady courage in a time of great peril and his unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.