John Hruschanko

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John Hruschanko (1071270), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Weapons Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein), FMF, in Korea, on 7 December 1950. Private First Class Hruschanko, serving as an ammunition carrier in the assault platoon of Weapons Company and while under concentrated enemy mortar and small arms fire, although wounded, left his covered position to carry a wounded Marine to his foxhole where he administered first aid. With complete disregard for his own personal safety he refused medical attention for himself, and upon learning that a machine gunner had become a casualty, he courageously manned the machine gun and delivered such accurate fire that the enemy was forced to seek cover, thereby enabling his company to successfully withdraw to a more favorable position. His actions throughout were an inspiration to all who observed him, and materially aided his company in repulsing the enemy attack. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.