The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Pharmacist’s Mate John Joseph Stankaitis (NSN: 406369), United States Navy, for heroism in rescuing the stewardess of a commercial airplane which crashed and burned in the vicinity of U.S. Naval Air Station (LTA) Lakehurst, New Jersey. On 9 August 1946, in complete disregard for his own safety, he pulled the stewardess from a water-filled ditch just prior to explosion of the gasoline tanks. By his courage and skill, he saved her from certain death. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
John
Joseph
Stankaitis
Awards Received
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Chief Pharmacist’s MateAction Date:
August 9, 1946
All Hands (November 1961) -
Navy and Marine Corps Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Chief Medical Service Warrant W-4Action Date:
December 10, 1960
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Medical Service Warrant W-4 John Joseph Stankaitis (NSN: 406369), United States Navy, for heroism displayed at the risk of his own life in saving another on 10 December 1960, while attacked to the U.S. Naval Station, Guam, Marianas Island. Chief Medial Service Warrant W-4 Stankaitis swam into a turbulent and treacherous riptide, the danger of which was clearly known to him, in order to save the life of a fellow man by supporting him from drowning for thirty minutes until a helicopter could remove both men from the water. The courage and compassion he exhibited reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.