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Vietnam War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Major Robert J. Modrzejewski, USMC
Major Robert J. Modrzejewski, who earned the nations highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for conspicuous gallantry in Vietnam, was born 3 July 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated from Pulaski High School there in 1953, then attended Wisconsin State Teachers College prior to entering the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1957.
While at the University of Wisconsin, he was a member of the Platoon Leaders Class and upon graduation, was commissioned a Marine Corps Reserve second lieutenant in June 1957. He was integrated into the Regular Marine Corps in May 1960.
Lieutenant Modrzejewski completed the 4-57 Basic Course, The Basic School, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia, in March 1958, then served as an instructor at The Basic School until the following May.
From June 1958 until September 1959, he was attached to the 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, and served as a platoon leader of H&S Company, as well as platoon leader and S-2 Officer of Company I and Company M, respectively. He was promoted to first lieutenant in December 1958.
Transferred to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, he served, successively, as Equipment Officer with the Landing Support Company, 2d Service Battalion, 2d Marine Division until May 1960; Pathfinder Team Leader of the 2d Force Reconnaissance Company, until December 1960; Pathfinder Team Leader with Sub Unit One, HMR(L)-262, MAG-26 at Marine Corps Air Facility, New River, North Carolina, until May 1961, and again as Pathfinder Team Leader and Parachute Pathfinder Team Leader with the 2d Force Reconnaissance Company, until May 1962. While serving in the latter capacity, he served aboard the USS San Marcos (LSD-25) with Sub Unit #2. He was promoted to captain in May 1962, and to major in January 1967.
Major Modrzejewski saw a three year tour of duty as Assistant Officer in Charge, Marine Corps Recruiting Station, Cincinnati, Ohio. In May 1965, he returned to the Marine Corps Schools in Quantico, Virginia, and served as Executive Officer, Company E, Officers Candidates Schools, until August 1965, then attended the Amphibious Warfare School, completing the course in February 1966.
Ordered to the West Coast, then to the Republic of Vietnam, he assumed duty as Commanding Officer of Company K, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division. It was during this period that he distinguished himself above and beyond the call of duty. The Medal of Honor was presented to him by President Lyndon B. Johnson in ceremonies held at the White House on 12 March 1968.
Major Modrzejewski later served as Battalion S-3 and Company Commander until December 1966, then became Command Operations Center Watch Officer with Headquarters Company, 3d Marine Division, FMF, until May 1967. While stationed in Vietnam, he was promoted to major in January 1967.
Upon his return to the United States in June 1967, he was assigned to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, as Commanding Officer of the Marine Barracks. In January 1970, he entered the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Virginia, and completed the course the following June. He then reported to Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe, Hawaii, for duty with Headquarters and Service Company, First Marine Brigade. Major Modrzejewski retired from the Marine Corps in August 1986.
A complete list of his medals and decorations includes: the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Gold Star, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
At the time of the action which earned him the Medal of Honor, Major Modrzejewski and his wife Diane had one son, Michael Robert.
President Lyndon Johnson confers the Medal of Honor on U.S. Marine Corps Major Robert J. Modrzejewski of Annapolis, Maryland in White House ceremonies March 12, 1968. The award was made to Major Modrzejewski for heroism in Vietnam during 1966.
Robert J. Modrzejewski and John J. McGinty III February 12, 1968 Wearing Their Medals.
Two U.S. Marine Corps officers wear their newly-awarded Medals of Honor after they were presented by President Johnson in a White House ceremony today. Major Robert J. Modrzejewski, (left), of Annapolis, Maryland and Second Lieutenant John J. McGinty III , of Laurel Bay, South Carolina, were awarded the nation's highest decoration for heroism in Vietnam in 1966.
CITATION:
Rank and organization: Major (then Capt.), U.S. Marine Corps, Company K, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division, FMF. place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 15 to 18 July 1966. Entered service at: Milwaukee, Wis. Born: 3 July 1934, Milwaukee, Wis. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On 15 July, during Operation HASTINGS, Company K was landed in an enemy-infested jungle area to establish a blocking position at a major enemy trail network. Shortly after landing, the company encountered a reinforced enemy platoon in a well-organized, defensive position. Maj. Modrzejewski led his men in the successful seizure of the enemy redoubt, which contained large quantities of ammunition and supplies. That evening, a numerically superior enemy force counterattacked in an effort to retake the vital supply area, thus setting the pattern of activity for the next 2 1/2 days. In the first series of attacks, the enemy assaulted repeatedly in overwhelming numbers but each time was repulsed by the gallant marines. The second night, the enemy struck in battalion strength, and Maj. Modrzejewski was wounded in this intensive action which was fought at close quarters. Although exposed to enemy fire, and despite his painful wounds, he crawled 200 meters to provide critically needed ammunition to an exposed element of his command and was constantly present wherever the fighting was heaviest, despite numerous casualties, a dwindling supply of ammunition and the knowledge that they were surrounded, he skillfully directed artillery fire to within a few meters of his position and courageously inspired the efforts of his company in repelling the aggressive enemy attack. On 18 July, Company K was attacked by a regimental-size enemy force. Although his unit was vastly outnumbered and weakened by the previous fighting, Maj. Modrzejewski reorganized his men and calmly moved among them to encourage and direct their efforts to heroic limits as they fought to overcome the vicious enemy onslaught. Again he called in air and artillery strikes at close range with devastating effect on the enemy, which together with the bold and determined fighting of the men of Company K, repulsed the fanatical attack of the larger North Vietnamese force. His unparalleled personal heroism and indomitable leadership inspired his men to a significant victory over the enemy force and reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service.
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