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Navy Federal Credit Union
Michael
Wodarczyk

Home:

Ald Sandeo

, 

Austria

Michael Wodarczyk was known to his friends as “The Polish Warhorse.” As a World War One gunny, he and a few of his men captured an estimated fifty Germans just before they were to attack the 2d Battalion, 5th Regiment’s flank with machine-guns. In 1942 he was commissioned as a Marine Corps Captain and retired as a Colonel of Marines.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Gunnery Sergeant

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6 – July 10, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D. 1918), Gunnery Sergeant Michael Wodarczyk (MCSN: 0-3764), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Gunnery Sergeant Wodarczyk distinguished himself while serving with the 43d Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June to 10 July 1918.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Chief Marine Gunner

    Action Date:

    February 28 & March 19, 1928

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Marine Gunner Michael Wodarczyk (MCSN: 0-3764), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight and in recognition of his initiative, skill and courage when on 28 February 1928 in the vicinity of Ocotal, Nicaragua, voluntarily and alone, under heavy fire he attacked and by splendidly placed bombs dropped from a dangerously low altitude successfully routed a strong party of outlaws, and further when on 19 March 1928 leading an aerial attack in the course of three separate engagements in the vicinity of Murra, Nicaragua, and again under extremely heavy hostile fire, he displayed those qualities of skill and courage which characterize conduct above and beyond the call of duty.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Gunnery Sergeant

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6 – July 10, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D. 1918), Gunnery Sergeant Michael Wodarczyk (MCSN: 0-3764), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Gunnery Sergeant Wodarczyk distinguished himself while serving with the 43d Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June to 10 July 1918.