Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division "The Spearhead", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Detachment

For heroic achievement while serving as an 81-mm Mortar Observer in the First Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 24 March 1945. Exhibiting outstanding courage in the performance of his duties, Sergeant Ceynowa often occupied positions which were under constant fire by the enemy in order to obtain better observation for the delivery of mortar fire and, upon the request of a rifle commander on one occasion, brought the fire of the mortars to within fifty yards of friendly troops without producing a casualty. His perseverance, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service.

With "V" combat device.