ABCD AWARDS

This web site is dedicated to the memory of our friend and neighbor, Sgt Louis Komnenich USMC. Lou was a Marine's Marine. He joined the Marine Corps in 1940, volunteered and made 12 jumps with the Marine Parachutist Corps and was in combat throughout the island-hopping campaign in the Pacific from Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima, where he was in the first wave. On March 8, after 17 days of intense combat, his unit was pinned down by heavy enemy fire. In the words of his Citation:

“Without regard for his own safety, Private First Class Komnenich voluntarily led tanks in front of his lines in order to destroy enemy pill boxes. Boldly exposing himself to enemy fire, he preceded the tanks and directed them, through extremely difficult terrain, by hand and arm signals. After getting the tanks in position, by consistent skill and cool courage he directed their fire onto the enemy positions thereby neutralizing three pill boxes. Later this same day…he was wounded. By his heroism, leadership, and cool courage, he made possible the advance and success of his platoon. His unusual ability, leadership, initiative, and tireless energy were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

Komnenich was awarded the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart.