29 Facts About Samuel Jaskilka

Samuel Jaskilka was a US Marine four-star general whose last assignment was Assistant Commandant of the United States Marine Corps.

General Jaskilka was a highly decorated veteran of the Korean War, having led the landing at Inchon as a company commander with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines.

Samuel Jaskilka retired from the Marine Corps in 1978 after 36 years of service.

Samuel Jaskilka was born on December 15,1919, in Ansonia, Connecticut, in a family of Ukrainian-Americans.

On September 26,1942, Samuel Jaskilka accepted an appointment as a second lieutenant in the US Marine Corps Reserve and was assigned to active duty.

Samuel Jaskilka completed the Reserve Officers' Class, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia, in 1942, and completed the Sea School at Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1943.

Samuel Jaskilka accepted an appointment in the regular Marine Corps in March 1943.

Samuel Jaskilka served on the USS Princeton and survived its sinking in the Battle of Leyte Gulf On October 24,1944.

Samuel Jaskilka was promoted to first lieutenant on June 22,1943.

From September 1945 until May 1947, Captain Samuel Jaskilka saw tours of independent duty with District Headquarters Recruiting Station, Manchester, New Hampshire, and District Headquarters Recruiting Station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In September 1949, Samuel Jaskilka joined the 1st Marine Division and later embarked with the division for Korea serving successively as battalion executive officer and commanding officer of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines.

Samuel Jaskilka returned to the States in February 1952 and served as monitor, Detail Branch, Personnel Department, Headquarters Marine Corps.

Samuel Jaskilka was promoted to lieutenant colonel in December 1955.

Samuel Jaskilka returned to Quantico in July 1960 and served as an instructor at the Senior School.

Samuel Jaskilka reported to the 3rd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force in July 1963, and was assigned duty as executive officer, Third Marines, and later, assistant chief of staff, G-3, SEATO Expeditionary Brigade.

Samuel Jaskilka earned the Legion of Merit for his service during the latter two assignments, and was promoted to brigadier general on October 18,1968.

Samuel Jaskilka was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his Vietnam service.

Samuel Jaskilka served in this capacity until his transfer in July 1973, to Camp Lejeune, where he served as commanding general, 2nd Marine Division.

Samuel Jaskilka was promoted to lieutenant general on January 2,1974, and was assigned as deputy chief of staff for manpower at Headquarters Marine Corps.

Samuel Jaskilka remained in that position until July 1,1975, when he was named Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Samuel Jaskilka retired on June 30,1978, after thirty-six years of service.

Samuel Jaskilka died on January 15,2012, at the age of 92 of pneumonia.

Samuel Jaskilka's funeral was held on January 26,2012; he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Samuel Jaskilka, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 17 September 1950.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Samuel Jaskilka, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 27 November to 10 December 1950.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" to Captain Samuel Jaskilka, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as a member of the 5th Marines, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against the enemy during the period 17 August to 6 September 1950.

Captain Samuel Jaskilka, while serving as Company Commander of Company E during the 1st and 2d battles of the Naktong River, demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, sound professional ability and tenacity of purpose.

Samuel Jaskilka courageously led his company in the assault on enemy held position and through his inspirational leadership, his company was able to decisively defeat the enemy on both occasions.

The personal bravery and aggressive leadership of Captain Samuel Jaskilka reflect great credit on himself and the United States Naval Service.