Samuel Jaskilka

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Samuel Jaskilka
Born December 15, 1919 (1919-12-15) (age 88)

General Samuel Jaskilka, USMC
Place of birth Ansonia, Connecticut
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service 1942-1978
Rank General
Commands held 2nd Marine Division
Battles/wars World War II'
- Battle of Tarawa
Korean War
- Battle of Inchon
Vietnam War.
Awards Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star (2)
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star

Samuel Jaskilka (born 15 December 1919 ) is a retired four-star general whose last assignment was Assistant Commandant of the United States Marine Corps (1975-1978). General Jaskilka is a highly decorated veteran of the Korean War, having lead the landing at Inchon as a company commander with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1978 after 34 years of service.

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[edit] Biography

Samuel Jaskilka was born on 15 December 1919 in Ansonia, Connecticut. He graduated from Ansonia High School in 1937. In May 1942, he graduated from the University of Connecticut, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

On 26 September 1942, Jaskilka accepted an appointment as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and was assigned to active duty. He completed the Reserve Officers' Class, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia in 1942, and completed the Sea School at Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1943. He accepted an appointment in the regular Marine Corps in March 1943.

[edit] World War II

During World War II, Jaskilka served aboard the USS Princeton and participated in the Tarawa Island raid, the Gilbert Islands Operation, the Marshall Islands Operation, Palau, Yap, Ulithi, Wolei raids, Marianas Operation, Western Caroline Islands Operation and the Leyte Operation. He was promoted to first lieutenant on 22 June 1943.

Upon his return to the United States, he was assigned duty as Instructor, Headquarters Company, Troop Leaders Battalion, Camp Pendleton, California until August 1945. He was promoted to captain in January 1945.

[edit] Interwar years

From September 1945 until May 1947, Captain Jaskilka saw tours of independent duty with District Headquarters Recruiting Station, Manchester, New Hampshire and District Headquarters Recruiting Station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In January 1948, he completed the Amphibious Warfare School, Junior Course, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico and became Commanding Officer, Marine Detachment, U.S. Naval Air Activities, Port Lyautey, French Morocco.

General Samuel Jaskilka, USMC — Asst CMC (1975-1978); highly-decorated veteran of the Korean War. Led first wave of Marines onto Red Beach in September 15, 1950 invasion of Inchon, Pusan Perimeter as Commanding Officer of Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Awarded Distinguished Service Medal and the Silver Star Medal.

[edit] Korean War

In September 1949, Jaskilka joined the 1st Marine Division and later embarked with the division for Korea serving successively as Battalion Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of Company E, 2nd Battalion, Fifth Marines. He led the first wave of Marines onto Red Beach on September 15, 1950 in the Invasion of Inchon, Pusan Perimeter as CO of Company E of the 2/5. For heroism in combat in Korea, he received two awards of the Silver Star and a Bronze Star with Combat "V". He was promoted to major in January 1951

[edit] Post Korean War

Jaskilka returned to the States in February 1952 and served as Monitor, Detail Branch, Personnel Department, Headquarters Marine Corps. In July 1954, he was transferred to Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, for duty as Operations Officer, Marine Corps Test Unit #1. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in December 1955.

Upon completion of the Amphibious Warfare School, Senior Course, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, in June 1957, LtCol Jaskilka had a three-year tour of duty as Assistant G-3 Operations and Plans Officer with Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. He turned to Quantico in July 1960 and served as an Instructor at the Senior School.

He reported to the 3rd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force in July 1963, and was assigned duty as Executive Officer, Third Marines, and later, Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, SEATO Expeditionary Brigade. Following his return to the United States, he assumed duty as Joint Staff Officer in the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and earned the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He was promoted to colonel in July 1964.

In August 1966, he was reassigned to Headquarters Marine Corps where he served consecutively as Deputy Manpower Coordinator for Research and Information Systems, G-1 Division; as Director, Data Systems Division; and as Director, Management Analysis Group. He earned the Legion of Merit for his service during the latter two assignments, and was promoted to brigadier general on 18 October 1968.

[edit] Vietnam War

Ordered to the Republic of Vietnam in February 1969, BGen Jaskilka served as Assistant Division Commander, 1st Marine Division, and CG, Task Force Yankee. In August 1969, he was reassigned duty as J-3, Operations, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV). He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his Vietnam service.

[edit] 1970s; Assistant Commandant

General Jaskilka returned to the United States in August 1970, and reported to Quantico, where he served as Director, Command and Staff College, then as Deputy for Development/Director. Development Center, Marine Corps Development and Education Command.

Following his promotion to major general in August 1972, he became Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1, Headquarters Marine Corps. He served in this capacity until his transfer in July 1973, to Camp Lejeune, where he served as Commanding General, 2nd Marine Division. He was promoted to lieutenant general on 2 January 1974 and was assigned as Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower at Headquarters Marine Corps.

He remained in that position until 1 July 1975 when he was named Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. While serving in that capacity, General Jaskilka was advanced to the grade of general, to rank from 4 March 1976. He retired on 30 June 1978 after thirty-six years of service.

[edit] Awards and decorations

General Jaskilka holds the following personal decorations: the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star with one gold star in lieu of a second award, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the National Order of Vietnam, and the Army Distinguished Service Order, 1st Class.

[edit] See also

United States Marine Corps Portal

[edit] References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from the United State Marine Corps.