Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Joseph
Edward
Stika
September 21, 1889

–

July 15, 1976

Joseph Stika entered service in the Coast Guard in 1908 and graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Class of 1911, before serving off the Atlantic Coast during World War I. In 1934 as commander of the U.S.S. Seneca he was commended by the Swedish government for his rescue efforts following an accident on the Swedish training ship “A.F. Chapman” in San Juan Harbor. He continued to serve at various assignments throughout World War II, and retired as a U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral in 1951.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    New York Division

    Action Date:

    October 4 & 5, 1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Joseph Edward Stika, United States Coast Guard, for heroic conduct on the occasion of the fire at the T.A. Gillespie shell-loading plant, Morgan, New Jersey, on 4 and 5 October 1918, when, with others, he moved a train loaded with high explosives to a place of safety through an area where fire was liable to break out at any moment.