Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Colonel George Zahaczewsky, United States Army, for heroism above and beyond the call of duty on 11 September 2001, after a hijacked jet airliner with 30,000 pounds of jet fuel was used by international terrorists as a weapon to attack the Pentagon. After the initial impact, Colonel Zahaczewsky immediately rushed into the damaged corridors and began rescue operations. Spotting a Defense Protective Service Officer struggling to escort a mother and her infant child, Colonel Zahaczewsky rushed to assist carrying them to safety, exposing himself to flying debris from a secondary explosion. With complete disregard to his own safety, Colonel Zahaczewsky then re-entered the Pentagon four additional times recovering injured personnel each time. As the smoke and fire became too intense to recover any additional personnel, he waded through water and JP8 jet fuel and began fighting the fire until relieved by fire department personnel. Returning to the Courtyard, he again provided aid and assistance to the injured. When ordered to evacuate given threat of an unidentified aircraft assumed inbound for the Pentagon, Colonel Zahaczewsky again disregarded his safety and stopped to carry a woman, injured and suffering from shock, to safety. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Colonel Zahaczewsky reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received