Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Alexander B. Swenceski (MCSN: 0-5012), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in Korea during the period from 21 June through 27 July 1953.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    2d Tank Battalion

    Division:

    2d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    February 19 – November 21, 1943

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 33840

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander B. Swenceski (MCSN: 0-5012), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Second Tank Battalion, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces prior to and during the assault on Betio, Gilbert Islands, from 18 February to 21 November 1943. An efficient leader and organizer, Lieutenant Colonel Swenceski planned and directed the training and employment of a medium tank company operating for the first time in the Pacific from a landing ship dock. Although severely wounded by an enemy shell while going ashore during the battle, he ordered combat troops to proceed forward and, making his way onto some wreckage, continued to exhort the wading troops until he became unconscious. Reviving during the night, he struggled to the beach to join his unit and was evacuated later that day after being severely wounded at daylight by enemy grenades. By his professional knowledge, courage under fire and unfaltering devotion to duty throughout, Lieutenant Colonel Swenceski contributed materially to the success of his Tank Battalion in this engagement and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.