Robert J. Modrzejewski

As a kid with Polish parents, Robert J. Modrzejewski’s life was shaped by his ethnic background and the need to get ahead in life. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 3, 1934.

In the 1930s, the Polish community in Milwaukee, centered on the South Side “Polonia,” was a closeknit, self-sufficient community that maintained a strong cultural identity, though it was also experiencing pressures from economic hardship and changing pressures from economic hardship and changing demographics. The community was characterized by its thriving religious and cultural institutions, particularly Catholic churches, and a strong emphasis on homeownership, which led to the development of distinctive Polish flat housing. While many Polish speakers remained within the community, some, especially those in the workforce, were beginning to learn English. The 1930s were a time of hard economics, with the Great Depression still ravaging the country and families.

Robert was a good student, and he graduated from Casimir Pulaski High School in Milwaukee in 1953. His classmates were primarily of working-class Polish descent. To the immigrant community, education was important.

He first attended Wisconsin State Teachers College (now part of the University of Wisconsin system) prior to entering the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the UWM in 1957. Later in life, he earned a master’s degree in education from Pepperdine University in 1976.

Like many students of limited income, while still a college student, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in 1955 through the Platoon Leaders Class. Upon graduation in June 1957, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve and then joined active duty.

He served continuously in the U.S. Marine Corps until his retirement as a Colonel in August 1986. During his 29 years of service, he held a variety of positions from the field to staff and command spots.

While in combat during the Vietnam War, from July 15 to 18, 1966, then-Captain Modrzejewski commanded Company K, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division during Operation Hastings in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam – a major effort to block North Vietnamese Army (NVA) infiltration routes. Shortly after landing in dense, enemy-controlled jungle, Modrzejewski’s company encountered a well-entrenched NVA platoon. He led a direct assault that successfully seized a fortified enemy position, capturing significant ammunition and supplies. Over the next two and a half days, his unit was repeatedly counterattacked by numerically superior enemy forces. Despite being outnumbered, surrounded, low on ammunition, and facing heavy casualties, Modrzejewski’s personal courage and tactical skill enabled his Marines to repel each assault. He was wounded in close-quarters combat, yet refused evacuation. At one point, he crawled more than 200 meters under heavy fire to deliver ammunition to an isolated element of his command.

Robert J. Modrzejewski received the Medal of Honor for his actions during Operation Hastings. He would receive the award from President Lyndon B. Johnson on March 12, 1968.

Beyond Service

In Modrzejewski’s post-service career, he held important leadership/mentoring positions – for example, he was assigned to command the Marine Barracks at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis after his Vietnam tour.

Upon retirement, Robert moved to California with his wife, Diane Evelyn, and their son, Michael Robert. He maintains a private life.