'Stolen valor.' Vietnam veteran works to commemorate, get recognition for fellow Marines

For the past five years, Krawczyk has been trying to get the Marine Corps to recognize, 2nd Lt. Noel Alexander John with a Navy Cross for coming to the aid of an ambushed convoy and Pfc. Thomas Busam.

Lauren Del Valle

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Nov 1, 2024, 11:31 PM

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Updated 54 days ago

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A Bronxville veteran is sharing the story of his fellow Marines unrecognized heroism from over half a century ago - and his fight to get them recognition.

News 12's Lauren Del Valle sat down with a United States Marine veteran Jerry Krawczyk to hear about what he calls "stolen valor" ahead of Veterans Day.

"All I wanted to do—and what I still want to do," said Krawczyk, "is get these Marines the medals they deserve."

For the past five years, Krawczyk has been trying to get the Marine Corps to recognize, 2nd Lt. Noel Alexander John with a Navy Cross for coming to the aid of an ambushed convoy and Pfc. Thomas Busam.

These were two Marines he served alongside who were killed in action while saving the lives of others.

"No medal whatsoever...even though he saved a life of a corpsman, and in addition, saved another Marine from either becoming a POW, tortured or killed," he says.

He's now in plans to help a third member: Pfc. Thomas Ryan, who Krawczyk says also saved the lives of a corpsman and squad leader.

Dozens of letters have been sent on behalf of all three veterans.

Krawczyk says that while its been unsuccessful, he is still determined to have them honored.

"I'm trying to get medals...Not for me, for the guys I served with," he says.

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