The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Stanley Steve Barczuk (MCSN: 1130564), United States Marine Corps, for heroism in attempting to go to the rescue of fellow Marines who were in danger of drowning at the island of Okinawa, on 5 September 1956. Serving as Acting Platoon Leader in Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines (Reinforced), THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Staff Sergeant Barczuk organized and led the efforts to save men in his company from drowning when they were washed out to sea by a sudden and treacherous undertow and tide. He quickly organized the efforts to reach the men who were adrift and plunged into the surf to reach them. In so doing he and others were knocked down by the increasing waves and were carried into deep water. In spite of his heroic efforts Staff Sergeant Barczuk was among those lost. His heroism, leadership and self-sacrifice in the face of great danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CorporalBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
5th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
September 17, 1951
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Stanley Steve Barczuk (MCSN: 1130564), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 17 September 1951. Although painfully wounded when a sudden devastating rain of hostile fire temporarily halted his fire team during an attack against a series of heavily defended enemy positions, Corporal Barczuk skillfully maneuvered his men to within a few yards of the hostile bunker and led a vicious bayonet charge to successfully overrun the position. When the squad leader became a casualty, Corporal Barczuk immediately assumed command, reorganized the squad and again led an assault to seize the unit’s final objective. His valiant fighting spirit, skilled leadership and unflinching devotion to duty served to inspire all who observed him and reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Barczuk and the United States Naval Service.