John J. Zajac’s Silver Star citation

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

CORPORAL John J. Zajac

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Marines, First Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on October 9, 1942. During this employment as a sniper far behind hostile lines, Corporal Zajac sighted a large Japanese force moving toward envelopment of an area intended for occupation by a Marine unit. Realizing the immediate danger confronting his comrades and the imminent threat to their proposed objective, he made a quick estimate of the situation, then cautiously worked his way back through enemy-infested territory in order to convey his information to headquarters. As a result of his alert presence of mind and courageous initiative, a combat unit was dispatched to the point in time to engage and hold the enemy until reinforcements could be brought up and the Japanese driven out. His heroic foresightedness contributed materially to the successful operation of our forces in this area and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

For the President,
Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy.