JOSEPH GERCZAK WPC 1126
Ship Name and Designation History
This section lists the names and designations that the ship had during its lifetime. The list is in chronological order.
Keel Laid - Launched |
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- USCGC Joseph Gerczak WPC-1126 Covers Page 1 (DATE RANGE)
Postmarks
This section lists examples of the postmarks used by the ship. There should be a separate set of postmarks for each name and/or commissioning period. Within each set, the postmarks should be listed in order of their classification type. If more than one postmark has the same classification, then they should be further sorted by date of earliest known usage.
A postmark should not be included unless accompanied by a close-up image and/or an
image of a cover showing that postmark. Date ranges MUST be based ONLY ON COVERS IN
THE MUSEUM and are expected to change as more covers are added.
>>> If you have a better example for any of the postmarks, please feel free to replace the
existing example.
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Postmark Type |
Postmark Date |
Thumbnail Link To Postmark Image |
Thumbnail Link To Cover Image |
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USPS |
2018-03-09 |
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Commissioning, cachet by the Stephen Decatur Chapter No. 4, USCS
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USPS |
2018-03-09 |
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N/A |
Commissioning, cachet by Mike Brock
Other Information
NAMESAKE - Signalman Third Class Joseph Gerczak, USCG (10 February 1922 - 26 December 1943)
Gerczak enlisted in the United States Coast Guard on 26 September 1942. He completed his recruit training at Recruit Training Station, Curtis Bay, MD, and was initially assigned to the Coastal Pickets, CG-75003 and CG-46015 on 20 November 1942. He was later transferred to LST Flotilla 8 on 11 February 1943 and assigned to USS LST-66 on 3 April 1943. While a part of LST-66’s crew, he was promoted to signalman third class on 1 November 1943.
Gerczak was on board USS LST-66 during the initial assault against the Japanese-held Borgen Bay Area of New Britain on Dec. 26, 1943. As seven Japanese dive bombers suddenly attacked his ship as it stood in the bay awaiting other vessels then unloading cargo on the beach, Gerczak immediately manned his battle station and was the first to open fire. When the planes came in and struck from starboard, he poured his drums of ammunition into the attackers with unrelenting fury, blasting two from the sky and into the sea near his vessel. With his ship struck by bomb fragments each bursting successively closer, he dauntlessly continued delivering a steady stream of bullets against the enemy until he was fatally struck down by a violent blast which forced shrapnel into his gun shield and silenced his weapon. By his expert marksmanship, unwavering perseverance, and cool courage in the face of tremendous odds, he contributed to the success of this and previous assault and reinforcement landings during the New Guinea Campaign. His constant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.
In recognition for having gallantly given his life for his country, Gerczak was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. He also posthumously received the Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Commendation that was awarded to LST-66 for meritorious service in action against the Japanese.
The cutter's sponsor is Stella Gerczak, sister of Joseph Gerczak.
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