Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Platoon Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    July 25 – 26, 1944

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 230 (July 10, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Joseph Blasko (MCSN: 267079), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 25 – 26 July 1944. When Japanese troops launched a fierce, pre-dawn attack on the battalion command post after penetrating the front lines during the night, Platoon Sergeant Blasko unhesitatingly crawled to a perilously exposed position and, completely disregarding his own safety, hurled hand grenades which killed at least three of the enemy. Advancing at daybreak against a Japanese rifleman who had killed or wounded several of his comrades, Platoon Sergeant Blasko was mortally wounded. His aggressive fighting spirit, cool courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.