The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John S. Stankus (MCSN: 256145), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 27 September 1942. In the midst of an engagement near the headwaters of Matanikau River, Private First Class Stankus, on his own initiative and single-handed, carried his light machine gun through a deadly curtain of hostile fire to a vantage point on the edge of a creek where, by effectively neutralizing a vigorous enemy shelling from the opposite bank, he enabled his comrades to evacuate their seriously wounded Battalion Commander. Despite tremendous crossfire, he persisted in manning his weapon until ordered back, and then succeeded by means of hand grenades, in repelling two Japanese rushes directed toward the capture of his machine gun. His heroic conduct, employed at great personal risk in the face of grave danger, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
5th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine DivisionAction Date:
December 30, 1943
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0717The 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 First Lieutenant John S. Stankus (MCSN: 256145), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Intelligence Officer with the Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during an engagement with enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, December 30, 1943. Aggressive and courageous in performance of duty, First Lieutenant Stankus boldly sought out the enemy and led one of our patrols to the hostile positions where a daring attack was launched. Subjected to a fierce bayonet charge by the Japanese during the ensuing action, he remained steadfast at his forward position and, by his heroic defiance of danger, rallied our troops to repulse and annihilate the enemy. When the platoon leader was wounded during a second bayonet attack, First Lieutenant Stankus unhesitatingly risked his life to advance under heavy fire and carry the injured Marine to shelter behind our lines. By his inspiring valor in the face of grave danger, First Lieutenant Stankus contributed to the complete rout of the hostile forces, and his exemplary conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.