Samuel Jaskilka
Encyclopedia
Samuel Jaskilka 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 led 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.
in a family of Ukrainian-Americans. 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 September 26, 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.
, 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 June 22, 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.
, 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.
and a Bronze Star
with Combat "V". He was promoted to major in January 1951
. 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 October 18, 1968.
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.
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 January 2, 1974 and was assigned as Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower at Headquarters Marine Corps.
He remained in that position until July 1, 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 March 4, 1976. He retired on June 30, 1978 after thirty-six years of service.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
(1975–1978). General Jaskilka is a highly decorated veteran of the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, having led the landing at Inchon
Battle of Inchon
The Battle of Inchon was an amphibious invasion and battle of the Korean War that resulted in a decisive victory and strategic reversal in favor of the United Nations . The operation involved some 75,000 troops and 261 naval vessels, and led to the recapture of the South Korean capital Seoul two...
as a company commander with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines
2nd Battalion 5th Marines
2nd Battalion 5th Marines is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps consisting of approximately 800 Marines and Sailors. They are based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California and fall under the command of the 5th Marine Regiment and the 1st Marine Division...
. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1978 after 34 years of service.
Biography
Samuel Jaskilka was born on December 15, 1919 in Ansonia, ConnecticutAnsonia, Connecticut
Ansonia is a city in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States, on the Naugatuck River, immediately north of Derby and about northwest of New Haven. The population was 19,249 at the 2010 census. The ZIP code for Ansonia is 06401. The city is serviced by the Metro North railroad...
in a family of Ukrainian-Americans. He graduated from Ansonia High School in 1937. In May 1942, he graduated from the University of Connecticut
University of Connecticut
The admission rate to the University of Connecticut is about 50% and has been steadily decreasing, with about 28,000 prospective students applying for admission to the freshman class in recent years. Approximately 40,000 prospective students tour the main campus in Storrs annually...
, earning a Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
degree in Business Administration.
On September 26, 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
Marine Corps Base Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico, sometimes abbreviated MCB Quantico, is a major United States Marine Corps training base located near Triangle, Virginia, covering nearly in southern Prince William County, northern Stafford County, and southeastern Fauquier County...
, Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
in 1942, and completed the Sea School at Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1943. He accepted an appointment in the regular Marine Corps in March 1943.
World War II
During World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Jaskilka served aboard the USS Princeton
USS Princeton (CVL-23)
The fourth USS Princeton was a United States Navy lost at the battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944.-Construction and deployment:The ship was laid down as the Tallahassee by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 2 June 1941...
and participated in the Tarawa Island raid
Battle of Tarawa
The Battle of Tarawa, code named Operation Galvanic, was a battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II, largely fought from November 20 to November 23, 1943. It was the first American offensive in the critical central Pacific region....
, the Gilbert Islands
Gilbert Islands
The Gilbert Islands are a chain of sixteen atolls and coral islands in the Pacific Ocean. They are the main part of Republic of Kiribati and include Tarawa, the site of the country's capital and residence of almost half of the population.-Geography:The atolls and islands of the Gilbert Islands...
Operation, the Marshall Islands
Marshall Islands
The Republic of the Marshall Islands , , is a Micronesian nation of atolls and islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, just west of the International Date Line and just north of the Equator. As of July 2011 the population was 67,182...
Operation, Palau
Palau
Palau , officially the Republic of Palau , is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Philippines and south of Tokyo. In 1978, after three decades as being part of the United Nations trusteeship, Palau chose independence instead of becoming part of the Federated States of Micronesia, a...
, Yap, Ulithi, Wolei raids, Marianas Operation, Western Caroline Islands Operation and the Leyte Operation
Battle of Leyte Gulf
The Battle of Leyte Gulf, also called the "Battles for Leyte Gulf", and formerly known as the "Second Battle of the Philippine Sea", is generally considered to be the largest naval battle of World War II and, by some criteria, possibly the largest naval battle in history.It was fought in waters...
. He was promoted to first lieutenant on June 22, 1943.
Upon his return to the United States, he was assigned duty as Instructor, Headquarters Company, Troop Leaders Battalion, Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is the major West Coast base of the United States Marine Corps and serves as its prime amphibious training base...
, California until August 1945. He was promoted to captain in January 1945.
After the war
From September 1945 until May 1947, Captain Jaskilka saw tours of independent duty with District Headquarters Recruiting Station, Manchester, New HampshireManchester, New Hampshire
Manchester is the largest city in the U.S. state of New Hampshire, the tenth largest city in New England, and the largest city in northern New England, an area comprising the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. It is in Hillsborough County along the banks of the Merrimack River, which...
, 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.
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 StarSilver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
and a Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
with Combat "V". He was promoted to major in January 1951
Post Korean War
Jaskilka returned to the States in February 1952 and served as Monitor, Detail Branch, Personnel Department, Headquarters Marine CorpsHeadquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps is a headquarters staff within the Department of the Navy which includes the offices of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and various staff functions...
. 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
Fleet Marine Force
The United States Fleet Marine Forces are combined general and special purpose forces within the United States Department of the Navy that are designed in engaging offensive amphibious or expeditionary warfare and defensive maritime employment...
, 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
Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters...
, 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 October 18, 1968.
Vietnam War
Ordered to the Republic of VietnamSouth Vietnam
South Vietnam was a state which governed southern Vietnam until 1975. It received international recognition in 1950 as the "State of Vietnam" and later as the "Republic of Vietnam" . Its capital was Saigon...
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
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast...
for his Vietnam service.
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 January 2, 1974 and was assigned as Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower at Headquarters Marine Corps.
He remained in that position until July 1, 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 March 4, 1976. He retired on June 30, 1978 after thirty-six years of service.
Awards and decorations
General Jaskilka holds the following personal decorations:| 1st Row | Navy Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast... |
Silver Star Silver Star The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy.... w/ 1 award star Award star An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force... |
Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... |
Bronze Star Bronze Star Medal The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the... w/ valor device Valor device The Valor device is an award of the United States military which is a bronze attachment to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Row | Joint Service Commendation Medal Commendation Medal The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star, the Valor device may... w/ 1 oak leaf cluster Oak leaf cluster An oak leaf cluster is a common device which is placed on U.S. Army and Air Force awards and decorations to denote those who have received more than one bestowal of a particular decoration. The number of oak leaf clusters typically indicates the number of subsequent awards of the decoration... |
Navy Presidential Unit Citation w/ 2 service star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... s |
American Defense Service Medal American Defense Service Medal The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:... |
American Campaign Medal American Campaign Medal The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt... |
| 3rd Row | Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945 and was created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was... w/ 9 service stars |
World War II Victory Medal | National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... w/ 1 service star |
Korean Service Medal Korean Service Medal The Korean Service Medal is an award of the United States military and was created in November 1950 by executive order of President Harry Truman. The Korean Service Medal is the primary United States medal for participation in the Korean War and is awarded to any U.S. service member, who... w/ 3 service stars |
| 4th Row | Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award which was created in 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The distinctive design was the creation of sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry. The medal is issued to recognize military service during... w/ 6 service stars |
National Order of Vietnam, Knight National Order of Vietnam The National Order of Vietnam was a combined military-civilian decoration of South Vietnam and was considered the highest honor that could be bestowed upon an individual by the Republic of Vietnam government.... |
Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order, 1st Class Vietnam Distinguished Service Order The Vietnam Distinguished Service Order was a military decoration of South Vietnam whichwas awarded throughout the years of the Vietnam War. The decoration was bestowed for meritorious or heroic deeds related to war time operations and was awarded for both combat andnon-combat service.There were... |
Philippine Liberation Medal Philippine Liberation Medal The Philippine Liberation Medal is a military award of the Republic of the Philippines which was created by an order of Commonwealth Army of the Philippines Headquarters on December 20, 1944... w/ 1 service star |
| 5th Row | Korean Presidential Unit Citation Presidential Unit Citation (Korea) The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is issued by the government of South Korea to both Korean military and foreign units. The last major issuance of the decoration was during the Korean War when the decoration was bestowed to several U.S., U.K., and Commonwealth military units... |
Vietnam Gallantry Cross unit citation Vietnam Gallantry Cross The Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of South Vietnam which wasestablished in August 1950. Also known as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Gallantry Cross was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an... |
United Nations Korea Medal | Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, , to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.Established in 1966, the decoration is... |
See also
- List of United States Marine Corps four-star generals
- Commandant of the Marine CorpsCommandant of the Marine CorpsThe Commandant of the Marine Corps is normally the highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff...