Samuel Jaskilka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Jaskilka
|
|
|---|---|
General Jaskilka in 1976
|
|
| Born | December 15, 1919 Ansonia, Connecticut |
| Died | January 15, 2012 (aged 92) Arlington County, Virginia |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1942–1978 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | 2nd Marine Division |
| Battles/wars |
|
| Awards |
|
Samuel Jaskilka (December 15, 1919 – January 15, 2012) was a highly respected U.S. Marine four-star general. He served as the Assistant Commandant of the United States Marine Corps from 1975 to 1978. General Jaskilka was a brave soldier who fought in the Korean War, leading the landing at Inchon. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1978 after 36 years of dedicated service.
Contents
About Samuel Jaskilka
Samuel Jaskilka was born on December 15, 1919, in Ansonia, Connecticut. His family was of Ukrainian-American heritage. He finished Ansonia High School in 1937. In May 1942, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut.
On September 26, 1942, Jaskilka joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve as a second lieutenant. He completed his officer training at Quantico, Virginia, in 1942. In March 1943, he officially joined the regular Marine Corps.
Serving in World War II
During World War II, Jaskilka served on the ship USS Princeton. He took part in important battles and operations. These included the Tarawa Island raid, the Gilbert Islands Operation, and the Marshall Islands Operation. He also participated in raids on Palau, Yap, Ulithi, and Wolei.
He was part of the Marianas Operation and the Western Caroline Islands Operation. Jaskilka also fought in the Leyte Operation. His ship, the USS Princeton, was sunk during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on October 24, 1944. He survived the sinking. He was promoted to first lieutenant in June 1943 and to captain in January 1945.
After returning to the United States, he worked as an instructor at Camp Pendleton, California. This was until August 1945.
Heroism in the Korean War
In September 1949, Captain Jaskilka joined the 1st Marine Division. He later went to Korea with his division. He served as an executive officer and then as the commanding officer of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines.
On September 15, 1950, he led the first group of Marines onto Red Beach. This was during the Inchon Invasion. For his bravery in combat in Korea, he received two Silver Star awards. He also earned a Bronze Star with a Combat "V" for valor. He was promoted to major in January 1951.
After the Wars
After the Korean War, Jaskilka returned to the United States in February 1952. He worked at Headquarters Marine Corps. In July 1954, he moved to Camp Pendleton. There, he worked as an operations officer for the Marine Corps Test Unit #1. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in December 1955.
After more training, LtCol Jaskilka served for three years with Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. He returned to Quantico in July 1960. There, he worked as an instructor at the Senior School.
In July 1963, he joined the 3rd Marine Division. He served as an executive officer and then as assistant chief of staff. He later worked in the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. For this service, he received the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He was promoted to colonel in July 1964.
In August 1966, he returned to Headquarters Marine Corps. He held several important roles there. He was promoted to brigadier general on October 18, 1968. He earned the Legion of Merit for his excellent service in these roles.
Leadership in the Vietnam War
In February 1969, Brigadier General Jaskilka was sent to South Vietnam. He served as assistant division commander of the 1st Marine Division. He also commanded Task Force Yankee. In August 1969, he became the J-3, Operations, for Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV). He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his service in Vietnam.
Becoming Assistant Commandant
General Jaskilka returned to the United States in August 1970. He worked at Quantico, leading the Command and Staff College. He was promoted to major general in August 1972. He then became assistant chief of staff at Headquarters Marine Corps.
In July 1973, he moved to Camp Lejeune. There, he became the commanding general of the 2nd Marine Division. He was promoted to lieutenant general on January 2, 1974. He then became deputy chief of staff for manpower at Headquarters Marine Corps.
On July 1, 1975, he was named Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. While in this role, General Jaskilka was promoted to the highest rank of general on March 4, 1976. He retired on June 30, 1978, after 36 years of service.
Later Life and Passing
Samuel Jaskilka was a member of the Ukrainian American Veterans, Post 23, in Buffalo, NY. He passed away on January 15, 2012, at the age of 92. He died from pneumonia. His funeral was held on January 26, 2012. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Awards and Honors
General Jaskilka received many awards and decorations for his service. Here are some of his most notable honors:
| Navy Distinguished Service Medal | Silver Star with one gold award star | ||
| Legion of Merit | Bronze Star w/ valor device | Joint Service Commendation Medal w/ 1 oak leaf cluster | Navy Presidential Unit Citation w/ 2 service stars |
| Meritorious Unit Citation | American Defense Service Medal | American Campaign Medal | Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/ 9 service stars |
| World War II Victory Medal | National Defense Service Medal w/ 1 service star | Korean Service Medal w/ 3 service stars | Vietnam Service Medal w/ 6 service stars |
| Order of National Security Merit (Republic of Korea), Gukseon Medal | National Order of Vietnam, Knight | Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order, 1st Class | Korean Presidential Unit Citation |
| Vietnam Gallantry Cross unit citation | Philippine Liberation Medal w/ 1 service star | United Nations Korea Medal | Vietnam Campaign Medal |
