Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Louis Stephen Csoka (ASN: )F-104691), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Csoka distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 June 1968 while serving as Commanding Officer of Company E, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Sa Doc Province. While his company was moving through a heavily vegetated area at night, they came under an enemy ambush. Captain Csoka, disregarding his own safety, exposed himself to the intense hostile fire as he moved among his men, positioning them to effectively counter the enemy attack. Realizing the point element had not contact with the main body of the company and was in danger of establishing crossfire over part of their own unit, Captain Csoka courageously moved through the barrage and directed their fire against the enemy positions. He then crawled to within 20 meters of a hostile emplacement and destroyed it with a hand grenade. Returning to the main body of his company, he led his men on an assault which routed the enemy. Captain Csoka’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    47th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    9th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 20, 1968

    Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 2906 (March 11, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Captain (Infantry) Louis Stephen Csoka (ASN: )F-104691), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Captain Csoka distinguished himself by valorous actions on 20 August 1968 while serving as Commanding Officer, Company D, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission. As his unit was crossing a large swift stream, one of his men was pulled under the water after losing his grip on the rope. Captain Csoka courageously dove into the treacherous water and swam to the man, but the drowning soldier was struggling so fiercely that he was also pulled under the surface several times. Only after several attempts was he able to subdue the man and hold him until a rope could be brought to them and they were pulled to safety. Captain Csoka’s heroic actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Louis Stephen Csoka (ASN: )F-104691), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.