Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    January 2, 1944

    SPOT AWARD, Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 0832 (SofN Signed October 23, 1947)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class John W. Czaja (MCSN: 337152), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 2 January 1944. When the advance of his company was held up at a stream crossing by intense enemy fire emanating from well-entrenched and strongly-fortified positions on the opposite bank, Private First Class Czaja instantly went into action and, disregarding his own safety, twice crossed the stream and fearlessly charged a machine gun position. Although mortally wounded in his second attempt to silence the weapon, Private First Class Czaja, by his daring initiative, gallant courage and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.