Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    September 25, 1950

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Wiley Julian Grigsby, Jr. (MCSN: 0-50374), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a Machine Gun Platoon of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 25 September 1950. Prior to a coordinated company assault to secure commanding ground near a ridge from which a well-entrenched enemy were throwing hand grenades at the Marines below in an effort to dislodge them, Second Lieutenant Grigsby observed a hostile soldier, armed with a sub-machine gun, suddenly appear directly above the observation post with the obvious intent of attacking it. Despite the personal risk involved, he immediately stood up in an unprotected position and destroyed the enemy with accurate carbine fire, thereby saving the personnel of the observation post from being wounded or killed. His quick-wittedness, unselfish initiative and heroism in risking his life to save the lives of others reflect great credit upon Second Lieutenant Grigsby and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.