Terzi, Joseph Anthony

Date of birth:: August 1919 (Hoboken/New Jersey, United States)
Date of death:: December 26th, 1943 (West New Britain, Papua New Guinea)
Buried on:: American Cemetery and Memorial Manila
Plot: N. Row: 11. Grave: 148.
Service number:: 0-8923
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: Company K, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps
Awarded on:: September 13th, 1944

"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving as Commanding Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island, on 26 December 1943. Realizing that the nature of the terrain made a powerful frontal assault necessary when his right assault company was stopped by concentrated enemy rifle and machine-gun fire, Captain Terzi notified his battalion commanding officer of the situation, then boldly led his men in a savage frontal attack, fighting valiantly until he was killed by Japanese fire. By his able strategy and determined aggressiveness, Captain Terzi inspired his men to carry through the assault with much splendid and heroic effort that all enemy resistance was completely destroyed. His forceful initiative, steady courage in a time of great peril and his unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

SPOT AWARD, Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 1291

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Second Lieutenant
Unit:: Company K, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while a member of Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Tenaru Sector, Guadalcanal, Solomon, Islands on 13 - 17 September 1942. Having established an outlying listening post on the night of September 13, Second Lieutenant Terzi volunteered to remain with five of his men to open fire and withdraw to a more advantageous position giving his only weapon to a man whose machine gun had jammed. When again surrounded by a large enemy force and evacuation became necessary he instructed each man how to reach the front lines with the result that four of his men came through safely and much valuable information was obtained and used."