William J. Wlasiuk’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS Posthumously to

SERGEANT

WILLIAM JOHN WLASIUK

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to William John Wlasiuk (290356), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the First Tank Battalion in support of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during an attack against enemy Japanese forces in the Borgen Bay Area, New Britain Island, on 6 January 1944. After passing through friendly troops who were pinned down by terrific enemy fire, Sergeant Wlasiuk boldly advanced and, with daring initiative and cool courage, destroyed two hostile 37-mm. guns, a 20-mm. gun and numerous hostile pillboxes. Fearlessly exposing himself to constant and intense enemy fire during this action, he sustained severe head wounds from which he died on 7 January 1944. Sergeant Wlasiuk’s unswerving determination and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.