Robert J. Modrzejewski facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert J. Modrzejewski
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Robert J. Modrzejewski
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| Born | July 3, 1934 Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1955–1986 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 3rd Battalion 4th Marines |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Legion of Merit Purple Heart |
Robert Joseph Modrzejewski (born July 3, 1934) is a retired officer from the United States Marine Corps. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest military award in the United States. He earned this award for his bravery during the Vietnam War.
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Early Life and Education
Robert Modrzejewski was born on July 3, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He finished high school in Milwaukee in 1953. He then went to college at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. In 1957, he earned a degree in Education.
Military Career Highlights
Modrzejewski joined the Marine Corps Reserve in 1955 while still in college. After graduating in June 1957, he became a second lieutenant.
He completed his basic training in Virginia in 1958. After that, he worked as an instructor there for a short time. From 1958 to 1959, he served with the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. He was a platoon leader and an S-2 Officer, which means he helped with intelligence. He was promoted to first lieutenant in December 1958.
Modrzejewski held various roles at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He worked with landing support and as a Pathfinder Team Leader. Pathfinders help guide aircraft and troops. He was promoted to captain in May 1962.
He later worked as an Assistant Officer in Charge at a Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Ohio. In 1965, he returned to Quantico, Virginia. He served as an executive officer for Officer Candidates Schools. He also attended the Amphibious Warfare School. This school teaches how to plan and carry out attacks from the sea.
In 1966, Modrzejewski went to the Republic of Vietnam. There, he became the commanding officer of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines. It was during this time, in an operation called Operation Hastings, that he showed incredible bravery. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
On March 12, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson presented the Medal of Honor to him. Another Marine, Second Lieutenant John J. McGinty, III, also received the award that day.
After his time in Vietnam, Modrzejewski continued to serve. He was promoted to major in January 1967. He later commanded the Marine Barracks at the United States Naval Academy. In 1970, he attended the Armed Forces Staff College.
In 1976, he earned a Master's degree in Education. Colonel Modrzejewski retired from the Marine Corps in August 1986.
Awards and Decorations
Colonel Modrzejewski received many awards for his service. Here are some of his most important medals:
| Medal of Honor | Legion of Merit | Purple Heart |
| Meritorious Service Medal | Presidential Unit Citation | National Defense Service Medal |
| Vietnam Service Medal | Vietnam Cross of Gallantry | Vietnam Campaign Medal |
Special Honors
In 2004, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee honored Modrzejewski. He received a Distinguished Alumnus Award. This award recognizes successful former students.
In 2005, the State of Oklahoma declared March 26, 2005, as "Colonel Robert J. Modrzejewski Day." They praised his courage as a Medal of Honor recipient.
See also
