World War II Honoree

John Robert Colgan, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Iselin, New Jersey

Honored By

Mr. Anthony Hutnick

Relationship

Daughter and Friend

Served in the Marine Corps during World War II. He enlisted on October 1, 1942 and was promoted to Private First Class on July 15, 1943. He received Sharpshooter Rifle Certification on November 20, 1942. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action during the Marshall Islands Campaign from January 31, 1944 through February 1944. He also received a citation for excellent service in the line of duty while serving as a Browning Automatic rifleman during the invasion and capture of Saipan from June 15, 1944 through July 9, 1944. His initiative, devotion to duty and willingness to give battle contributed materially to the complete destruction of the enemy. He also received the Gold Star in lieu of a second Purple Heart. The Gold Star is issued instead of a second Purple Heart by the President of the United States and by the direction of the secretary of the Navy. The Gold Star is awarded by the commanding general of the U.S. Fleet Marine Force in the Pacific; in his case, for wounds received as a result of enemy action in the Asiatic-Pacific area on July 29, 1944. In addition he received the Honorable Service Lapel Button on January 31, 1945.