The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Samuel Jaskilka (MCSN: 0-13973), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 27 November to 10 December 1950. Exhibiting outstanding courage and sound tactical knowledge, Captain Jaskilka skillfully led his company in the withdrawal from the Chosin Reservoir area. When his unit was attacked by an enemy force estimated at battalion strength during the night of 27 November, he directed his men in repulsing the attack, accounting for over three hundred enemy killed. Despite sub-zero temperatures and the critical military situation, he repeatedly exposed himself to heavy hostile grenade, small arms and automatic weapons fire throughout the entire period to lead his men in repulsing constant assaults by a fanatical enemy seeking to split the column. By his forceful and determined leadership, great personal valor and inspiring devotion to duty, Captain Jaskilka contributed materially to the success of the withdrawal and to the infliction of hundreds of casualties upon the enemy. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier GeneralDivision:
October 1968 – January 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Samuel Jaskilka (MCSN: 0-13973), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Director, Data Systems Division from July, 1967 to January 1969 and as Director, Management Analysis Group from October 1968 to January 1969 at Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps. In the performance of these duties, he demonstrated outstanding leadership, superior ability, and dedicated loyalty. As the staff officer primarily responsible for the development and implementation of automated management systems, General Jaskilka made a major contribution to the eventual implementation of a truly integrated management information system. By his efforts, he enhanced the ability of the Marine Corps to more effectively and efficiently manage its resources and to insure a better informed, more combat-ready organization. General Jaskilka’s forceful leadership, dedication, unusually outstanding talents, exceptional judgment, and unswerving loyalty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainRegiment:
5th Marines, 1st Provisional Marine BrigadeAction Date:
August 17 – September 6, 1950
Headquarters, U.S. Army Korea, General Orders No. 423 (June 11, 1951)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” (Army Award) to Captain Samuel Jaskilka (MCSN: 0-13973), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as a member of the 5th Marines, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against the enemy during the period 17 August to 6 September 1950. Captain Jaskilka, while serving as Company Commander of Company D during the 1st and 2d battles of the Naktong River, demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, sound professional ability and tenacity of purpose. He courageously led his company in the assault on enemy held position and through his inspirational leadership, his company was able to decisively defeat the enemy on both occasions. His heroic actions and steadfast devotion to duty constantly inspired his company to greater efforts and contributed materially to the success achieved by his battalion. The personal bravery and aggressive leadership of Captain Jaskilka reflect great credit on himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
5th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
September 17, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Samuel Jaskilka (MCSN: 0-13973), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 17 September 1950. After successfully taking his company objective on an airfield, Captain Jaskilka boldly exposed himself to intense hostile fire in order to organize and control the various elements of the company and, by his skillful and inspiring leadership, was instrumental in preparing the men to meet and repel a pre-dawn enemy attack on their positions. Expertly continuing his direction, he led a strong daylight counterattack which virtually destroyed the remainder of the hostile force and paved the way for a rapid advance. Captain Jaskilka’s aggressive determination, outstanding courage and staunch devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
February 1969 – August 1970
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Samuel Jaskilka (MCSN: 0-13973), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in duties of great responsibility during the period February 1969 to August 1970 while serving as Assistant Division Commander, 1st Marine Division, and as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. When Brigadier General Jaskilka assumed his responsibilities as Assistant Division Commander, he faced a myriad of complex tactical and administrative problems. Bringing to his duties a wealth of military experience and professional acumen, he continually demonstrated rare insight and judgment in the performance of a variety of responsibilities which included direct supervision of tactical and support units, direction of several programs, and coordination and liaison with other services and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam. As Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, Brigadier General Jaskilka instilled in his officers and men a high dedication of purpose and a will to accomplish each task in a rapid professional manner. His outstanding contributions to operations security, command and control activities, and improvements in briefing techniques have served as benchmarks of professionalism and objectivity. Under his dedicated leadership and direction, tactical air operations immeasurably added to the harassment of the enemy, drastically impeded the flow and stockpiling of materials and significantly lessened the enemy’s capability. Brigadier General Jaskilka’s superb performance of duty reflects great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.