The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Sergeant Major John James Nagazyna (MCSN: 133456), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a member of Headquarters Company, Third Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), Fifth Amphibious Corps, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Eniwetok Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, on 20 February 1944. In response to an order from the Battalion Commander, Sergeant Major Nagazyna organized the operating personnel of the Command Post to assist in repelling a sudden and dangerous enemy attack and, in the face of blazing machine guns, courageously helped to direct the counterattack until he fell, seriously wounded by hostile machine-gun fire. By his indomitable courage and inspiring leadership, Sergeant Major Nagazyna contributed materially to the disruption of the Japanese forces and to their eventual annihilation. His gallant fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Gunnery SergeantRegiment:
Sixth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
July 19, 1918
War Department, General Orders No. 117 (1918)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Gunnery Sergeant John James Nagazyna (MCSN: 133456), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Ninety-Sixth Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action in the attack on Tigny, France, 19 July 1918. During a critical time in the assault against Tigny, when his company had suffered heavy losses, Gunnery Sergeant Nagazyna set such an example of personal bravery and determination as to inspire his men to success. At a time when it seemed impossible to advance any farther, his fearlessness in moving up and down his lines to steady his men encouraged them to go forward against heavy odds and take and hold their objective.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Gunnery SergeantRegiment:
Sixth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
June 6 – July 10, 1918
Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesBy direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Gunnery Sergeant John James Nagazyna (MCSN: 133456), 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 Nagazyna distinguished himself while serving with the 95th Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June – 10 July 1918.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Gunnery SergeantRegiment:
Sixth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
July 18 – 22, 1918
Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesBy direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Gunnery Sergeant John James Nagazyna (MCSN: 133456), 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 Nagazyna distinguished himself while serving with the 95th Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Soissons, France, 18 – 22 July 1918. (THIRD Citation)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Gunnery SergeantRegiment:
Sixth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
June 6 – July 10, 1918
Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesBy direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Gunnery Sergeant John James Nagazyna (MCSN: 133456), 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 Nagazyna distinguished himself while serving with the 95th Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June – 10 July 1918. (SECOND Citation)
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Gunnery SergeantRegiment:
Sixth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
July 19, 1918
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gunnery Sergeant John James Nagazyna (MCSN: 133456), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 96th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action in the attack on Tigny, France, 19 July 1918. During a critical time in the assault against Tigny, when his company had suffered heavy losses, Gunnery Sergeant Nagazyna set such an example of personal bravery and determination as to inspire his men to success. At a time when it seemed impossible to advance any farther, his fearlessness in moving up and down his lines to steady his men encouraged them to go forward against heavy odds and take and hold their objective.