The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL to

CORPORAL IRVIN R. WANKE, JR.

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For outstanding achievement in the superior performance of his duties in the field of professional achievement as set forth in the following

    CITATION:

                                 “While serving with Company E, Second Battalion, First  Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat  operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam  from 2 May 1968 to 21 May 1969, Corporal Wanke  performed his duties in an exemplary manner. As a Radio  Operator, he displayed outstanding professionalism and  initiative despite extremely adverse conditions and the  difficulties of a combat enviornment. Distinguishing himself  by his consistently high level of efficiency, he materially  enhanced the operational effectiveness of his unit.  Participating in six major combat operations, including  Operations Scotland II, Napoleon/Saline, and Meade River,  he repeatedly distinguished himself by courage and  composure under fire as he skillfully operated his radio to  provide reliable communications for the command. On 6  December 1968, the company was pinned down by a heavy  volume of hostile fire during a search and destroy operation.  Reacting instantly, Corporal Wanke directed effective fire  support for the unit which enabled the Marines to continue  their advance. As a result of his diligence and seemingly  unlimited resourcefulness, he gained the respect and  admiration of all who observed him and contributed  aignificantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. Corporal Wanke's outstanding professional ability, untiring  determination and steadfast devotion to duty reflect great  credit upon himself, the Marine Corps and the Naval  Service."       

                               H. W. BUSE, JR.

                  LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

     COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC

FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY,

V

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.