Henry Witkowski

Henry Witkowski served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Tarawa.

His award citation reads:
 * The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Henry J. Witkowski (MCSN: 312182), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company H, Second Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. Armed only with a makeshift charge of dynamite, Corporal Witkowski courageously made his way through heavy enemy fire to assault a pillbox which was preventing the landing of our reinforcements and, when the dynamite failed to explode, unhesitatingly ran directly to the firing port and placed a second charge, completely destroying the hostile emplacement. Corporal Witkowski's splendid initiative, aggressive determination and fearless devotion to duty in the face of grave peril undoubtedly save the lives of many men who otherwise might have perished and his indomitable fighting spirit was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Witkowski was born in Cudahy, Wisconsin.