Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Joseph
Wasneski
March 3, 1922

–

December 30, 2014

Born:

Riverside

, 

New Jersey

Home:

Riverside

, 

New Jersey

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Patrol Bombing Squadron 104 (VPB-104)

    Action Date:

    December 18, 1944 – February 26, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Joseph Wasneski, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Southwest Pacific Area. During the period from 18 December 1944 to 26 February 1945 he participated in 24 flights in an active combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective and enemy aircraft patrols usually occur. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Patrol Bombing Squadron 104 (VPB-104)

    Action Date:

    February 27 – May 14, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Joseph Wasneski, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 27 February 1945 to 14 May 1945. Ensign Wasneski completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign]

    Batallion:

    Patrol Bombing Squadron 104 (VPB-104)

    Action Date:

    December 6, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] Joseph Wasneski, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Co-Pilot of a Navy Liberator Plane of Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED FOUR (VPB-104), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands, 6 December 1944. With his plane severely damaged during an attack on enemy shipping at Zamboenga, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Wasneski skillfully assisted in making a crash-landing at Tacloban airfield. When an attacking hostile plane crashed into a group of parked aircraft at Tacloban and started a severe fire shortly thereafter, he courageously attempted to rescue personnel while the area was being rocked by gasoline and bomb explosions. Although repeatedly knocked down by the concussions, he entered the flaming area three times and, after rescuing two men, threw himself protectively over a third who could not move. His initiative, courage and gallant devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Wasneski and the United States Naval Service.