William L. Piaseczny

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William L. Piaseczny (353612), Private, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as member of a Rifle Company of the Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Matanikau River Area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 5 October 1942. After a hospital corpsman had been killed in a third desperate and unsuccessful attempt to rescue a wounded Marine from an exposed position, Private First Class Piaseczny, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, daringly worked his way forward under a hail of enemy fire and removed his comrade to a place of safety. By his extreme courage and unselfish devotion to duty, Private First Class Piaseczny undoubtedly saved the life of his comrade who otherwise might have perished. His actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Serial 829 (SofN Signed August 27, 1943)