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Streczyk, Philip

Date of birth:
November 25th, 1918 (East Brunswick/New Jersey, United States)
Date of death:
June 25th, 1958
Service number:
32182713
Nationality:
American

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:
Company E, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
May 27th, 1944
Citation:
"For gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of El Guettar, Tunisia, on 23 March 1943. When hostile forces threatened his company's flank, Technical Sergeant (then Private First Class) Streczyk courageously exposed himself to intense enemy fire and utilized antitank grenades to silence two enemy guns, thereby enabling his unit to continue its advance. His dauntless courage and unhesitating action merit the highest praise."

Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 23
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:
Company E, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", U.S. Army
Received for clearing the way for his company’s advance by fearlessly proceeding over terrain swept by intense hostile machine gun fire to neutralize enemy guns seriously menacing our troops on July 29th, 1943 on Sicily.

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:
Company E, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", U.S. Army
Received for an an exhibition of leadership on August 4th, 1943, that not only saved his company from annihilating enemy fire but led them successfully against the enemy. His company was caught in direct fire of an enemy infantry battalion. When his own officers were killed or wounded, Sergeant Streczyk assumed command and by brilliant tactics and courage reversed the situation.

This award was obtained in the form of a second Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 6 June 1944 near Colleville-sur-Mer, France. In the face of vicious enemy fire, Sgt. Philip Streczyk led his section through a minefield and up a steep hill overlooking the beach, in an attack on an enemy beachhead in that sector. In a vicious fight Sergeant Streczyk set an example for his men in leading the attack. The destruction of this enemy strong point contributed materially to the success of the invasion effort. The valor, initiative and disregard for his safety he exhibited reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces."

Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 31 (July 1, 1944).
Presented by General Dwight D. Eisenhower on July 2nd, 1944.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Technical Sergeant
Unit:
Company E, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", U.S. Army
Citation:
"For gallantry in action against the enemy on 6 June 1944 near Colleville-sur-Mer, France. T/Sgt. Streczyk was one of the first men to enter the maze of trenches and dugouts, and in desperate hand to hand fighting cleared out compartment after compartment. In this fighting he captured an officer and 20 enemy soldiers. He then, with complete disregard for own safety and without assistance, assaulted and destroyed an enemy machine gun nest. The heroic and courageous actions of T/Sgt. Streczyk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States."
Military Medal (MM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With six bronze battle stars.
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal

Sources

Photo