Joseph Gerczak

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Joseph Gerczak, Signalman Third Class, U.S. Coast Guard (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving on board the U.S.S. LST 66 during the initial assault against the enemy Japanese-held Borgen Bay Area of New Britain on 26 December 1943. When seven Japanese dive bombers suddenly attacked while his ship was in the bay awaiting the formation of the task unit then on the beach unloading cargo, Signalman Third Class Gerczak immediately manned his battle station and was the first to open fire. When the planes came in and struck from starboard, he poured his drums of ammunition into the attackers with unrelenting fury, blasting two from the sky and into the sea near his vessel. With his ship struck by bomb fragments, each bursting successively closer, he dauntlessly continued delivering a steady stream of bullets against the enemy until he was fatally struck down when a violent blast silenced his weapon and forced shrapnel into his gun shield. By his expert marksmanship, unwavering perseverance and cool courage in the face of tremendous odds, Signalman Third Class Gerczak contributed materially to the success of this as well as previous assault and reinforcement landings in the New Guinea Campaign, and his constant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.