Frank Peter Witek, in whose honor the U. S. S. WITEK is named,

was born in Derby, Connecticut, 10 December 1921.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps at Chicago, Illinois, on 20 January

1942, and was called to active duty 23 January 1942. He received his

training at the Marine Corps Base, U. S. Naval Operating Base, San

Diego, California, and Camp Joseph Pendleton, Oceanside, California.

Upon completion of this vigorous training, he was sent to the forward

area on 5 February 1943.

Private First Class Witek wore the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

and the Purple Heart. He was awarded the MEDAL OF HONOR post-

humously with the following citation:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his

life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with a

Battalion of a Marines Division during the Battle of Linegayen

at Guam, Marianas, on 3 August 1944. When his rifle platoon

was halted by heavy surprise fire from well-camouflaged enemy

positions, Private First Class Witek daringly remained standing

to fire a full magazine from his automatic at point-blank range

into a depression housing Japanese troops, killing eight of the

enemy and enabling the greater part of his platoon to take

cover. During his platoon's withdrawal for consolidation of

lines, he remained to safeguard a severely wounded comrade,

courageously returning the enemy's fire until the arrival of

stretcher bearers and then covering the evacuation by sustained

fire as he moved backward toward his own lines. With his

platoon again pinned down by a hostile machine gun, Private

First Class Witek, on his own initiative, moved forward boldly

ahead of the reinforcing tanks and infantry, alternately throw-

ing hand grenades and firing as he advanced to within five

to ten yards of the enemy positions, destroying the hostile

machine-gun emplacement and an additional eight Japanese

before he himself was struck down by an enemy rifleman.

His valiant and inspiring action effectively reduced the enemy's

fire-power, thereby enabling his platoon to attain its objective,

and reflects the highest credit upon Private First Class Witek and

the United States Naval Service."

 

The U. S. S. WITEK (DD848) was launched Saturday, 2 February, 1946.

The sponsor was Mrs. Nora Witek, mother of Private First Class Witek.