Leo J. Washvillo’s Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

PRIVATE LEO J. WASHVILLO, USMC.,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Eighth Marines, Reinforced on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands from November 18 to 20, 1942. When his patrol temporarily withdrew to the Matanikau River, leaving three seriously wounded marines behind, Private Washvillo with two comrades voluntarily remained to protect these men. Under continual threat of the enemy, he succeeded the following day in reaching the Army’s front lines and reported the location of the injured men and their protectors. Skillfully and courageously leading a rescue party through the Japanese infested territory back to his imperiled comrades he contributed in a large measure to the evacuation of the wounded within the safety of our lines. His keen initiative and extreme personal valor were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

For the President,
Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy.