Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    400th Armored Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    9th Armored Division

    Action Date:

    March 7, 1945

    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 120 (May 29, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Stanley Scholasticus Sadaj (ASN: 0-1175300), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 400th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 7 March 1945. On that date, Lieutenant Sadaj and a pilot were on an observation mission, flying low over the point units of the spearhead striking towards Remagen, Germany. Without thought of their own safety they braved enemy anti-aircraft fire to observe and direct fire upon enemy installations as the striking troops approached and formed for the assault against the bridge across the Rhine River. When enemy fire hit the plane, causing it to crash, they were flying too low to parachute to safety, and Lieutenant Sadaj and the pilot were killed. The courage and determination Second Lieutenant Sadaj displayed and his supreme devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.