Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    3d Tank Battalion

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    March 8, 1945

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 86490

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Julian A. Zych (MCSN: 457692), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Tank Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. Assigned the mission of finding and aiding the withdrawal of fourteen riflemen who had been isolated for two days and prevented from withdrawing by hostile machine-gun fire, Corporal Zych discovered a route of approach over almost impassable terrain and reached the isolated position in his tank. By skillful use of his weapons, he neutralized several enemy positions, thereby permitting the withdrawal of eleven of the riflemen. Upon discovering that the other three were wounded and unable to move, he remained even though the hours of dark ness were approaching and his tank was without close infantry support and despite terrain conditions that made movement extremely hazardous, effected the evacuation of the three wounded with his tank. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.