William Kowalyk

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Kowalyk (2122016), Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with Battery G, Third Battalion, Twelfth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, during operations against the enemy near Cam Lo, Republic of Vietnam, on 26 August 1966. During the early morning Lance Corporal Kowalyk and two other Marines were manning a foxhole on the battalion perimeter when it was breached by a company of North Vietnamese Regulars. In the initial onslaught, all three men were wounded by a hand grenade. Although painfully wounded in the chest, arms, and face, Lance Corporal Kowalyk assured the others that he was not seriously hurt and continued to fire his weapon. The others noticed that he could barely lift his rifle and attempted to evacuate him, but he refused to be moved and selflessly resumed firing. Now surrounded, the two less seriously wounded Marines again took up their positions. At this time, unknown to the two, a North Vietnamese soldier leapt into the foxhole and attempted to strangle the nearly helpless Lance Corporal Kowalyk with a rope. Summoning all his strength, he threw off the attacker and, with a heroic effort, killed him with his rifle. Again his companions rushed to him and, realizing how badly he was hurt, evacuated him still protesting to the aid station. Through his daring and resolute determination he was instrumental in thwarting the enemy attack. By his courage, selfless actions, and inspiring devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Kowalyk reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.