Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    27th Marines

    Division:

    5th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    March 17, 1945

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 35684 (January 10, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Robert J. Mischker (MCSN: 907721), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Flame Thrower Operator, serving with Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 7 March 1945. Following an attack against a formidable main defensive position, during which his company was pinned down in rough terrain strongly defended by Japanese forces in caves, pillboxes and spider traps, Private First Class Mischker defiantly went forward of the front lines alone and emptied his flame-thrower into a cave mouth, forcing the enemy into the open and thereby enabling his comrades to annihilate them. Returning for a loaded flame-thrower, he again advanced in the face of constant hostile fire and burned out another hole, accounting for several more of the Japanese. By his extraordinary courage, bold tactics and consistent skill in handling his weapon, Private First Class Mischker contributed materially to the successful holding of the front-line positions and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.