Victor H. Czegka facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Victor Hugo Czegka
Born	May 21, 1880 Austria-Hungary
Died	February 18, 1973(1973-02-18) (aged 92) Ipswich, Massachusetts
Buried	Mount Auburn Cemetery
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1909~1942
Rank	Chief Marine Gunner
Awards	Navy Cross (2)

Victor Hugo Czegka (born May 21, 1880 – died February 18, 1973) was a very brave and skilled United States Marine Corps officer. He received two Navy Crosses. This is the second-highest award for bravery in the United States military. He earned these awards for his important work on the Byrd Antarctic expeditions.

Early Life and Achievements

Victor H. Czegka was born in Austria-Hungary on May 21, 1880. He moved to the United States in 1904. Later, he joined the Marine Corps from Clifton, New Jersey.

In 1909, when he was a First Sergeant, Czegka achieved something special. He became the first Marine to win the Wimbledon Cup. This is a famous trophy for excellent shooting skills. He won it using a special telescopic sight that he had built himself. Czegka became a naturalized American citizen in Pennsylvania in 1916.

Adventures in Antarctica: The Byrd Expeditions

First Expedition (1928-1930)

From 1928 to 1930, Master Technical Sergeant Czegka was part of the first Byrd Antarctic Expedition. Admiral Richard E. Byrd led this team of explorers to Antarctica. They set up a base called "Little America" on the Ross Ice Shelf.

The explorers faced very tough conditions. They collected minerals and mapped over 150,000 square miles of land. This land had never been explored before. Admiral Byrd personally asked Czegka to design a special insulated house for the expedition. Czegka was also the chief mechanic. He built stoves and snowmobiles. He also got all the scientific tools ready. His work was very important for the expedition's success. Czegka received his first Navy Cross for his role. He also appeared in a documentary about the trip, called With Byrd at the South Pole, released in 1930.

Second Expedition (1933-1935)

Master Technical Sergeant Czegka earned his second Navy Cross for his work on the second Byrd Antarctic Expedition. He was the general manager and supply officer for this trip from 1933 to 1935. In December 1934, during this expedition, a mountain was discovered. It was 7,450 feet tall.

This mountain is part of the Queen Maud Mountains. It is located near the Van Reeth Glacier and Scott Glacier. Admiral Byrd named this mountain Mount Czegka in his honor.

Later Life and Legacy

Czegka retired from the Marine Corps on February 1, 1942. He had served for 30 years. He retired as a chief marine gunner. Besides his two Navy Crosses, Czegka received more than 20 other military awards. Victor H. Czegka passed away on February 18, 1973, at his home in Ipswich, Massachusetts. He was buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.