The official story of Witek's gallantry is simply, but elegantly recorded
in the official citation:
CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 1st Battalion, Ninth
Marines, Third Marine Division, during the Battle of Finegayan at Guam, Marianas, on 3
August 1944. When his rifle platoon was halted by heavy surprise fire from well
camouflaged enemy positions, Private First Class Witek daringly remained standing to fire
a full magazine from his automatic rifle at point-blank range into a depression housing
Japanese troops, killing eight of the enemy and enabling the greater part of his platoon
to take cover. During his platoon's withdrawal for consolidation of lines, he remained to
safeguard a severely wounded comrade, courageously returning the enemy's fire until the
arrival of stretcher bearers and then covering the evacuation by sustained fire as he
moved backward toward his own lines. With his platoon again pinned down by a hostile
machine gun, Private First Class Witek, on his own initiative, moved forward boldly ahead
of the reinforcing tanks and infantry, alternately throwing hand grenades and firing as he
advanced to within five to ten yards of the enemy position, destroying the hostile
machine-gun emplacement and an additional eight Japanese before he himself was struck down
by an enemy rifleman. His valiant and inspiring action effectively reduced the enemy's
fire power, thereby enabling his platoon to attain its objective, and reflects the
highest, credit upon Private First Class Witek and the United States Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.
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