Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Joseph Martin Budzynski (MCSN: 473706), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as an Acting Mortar Squad Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 27 February 1945. Fully aware of the extreme danger involved, Corporal Budzynski courageously exposed himself to heavy enemy machine-gun, mortar and rifle fire to deliver accurate fire on two hostile positions which were impeding the advance of his company. After neutralizing the emplacements, he led a squad in an assault on the positions, killing several Japanese with an automatic rifle. Assuming command when his section leader was killed, he occupied an observation post which was exposed to heavy enemy sniper and machine-gun fire and directed the fire of the section and then, discovering a wounded rifleman in front of his observation post, unhesitatingly went to his rescue. After braving intense hostile mortar fire which killed the wounded man before he could be evacuated, Corporal Budzynski personally led a rifle squad in an assault on his company’s objective and contributed materially to the subsequent advance of his company. His indomitable fighting spirit, initiative and aggressive leadership throughout reflect the highest credit on Corporal Budzynski and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Action Date:

    May 21, 1944

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 1257 (January 21, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Private First Class Joseph Martin Budzynski (MCSN: 473706), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for heroism during an explosion aboard a tank landing ship in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 21 May 1944. When a ship that was moored alongside exploded, showering flaming gasoline and oil on the deck of his ship, despite the danger involved, he chose to stay aboard and fight the fires. Still later, when none of the crew was available, he managed the hand steering wheel to extricate his vessel from the vicinity of danger. His cool presence of mind and prompt action in a critical situation were responsible not only for saving the lives of a number of men, but also in saving his ship from complete destruction. His conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.