The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Joseph Greenes (ASN: 0-1176983), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Battery, (then Battery C), 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 12 February 1951 in the vicinity of Changbong-ni, Korea. On that date, Battery C was overrun by a strong enemy force. After a brief firefight, march order was given. The battery had withdrawn approximately one mile when the head of the column came under heavy small arms fire, forcing it to stop. Enemy bugles sounded from nearby ridges in preparation for an attack on the remainder of the column. Lieutenant Greenes ordered the howitzers uncoupled and supervised the delivery of over 400 rounds of direct fire. With utter disregard for his personal safety, he moved from gun to gun pointing out targets and danger points, all less than 200 yards from the convoy position. Many times he would take a wounded gunner’s place until a new gunner could be found. After the main attack was stopped, Lieutenant Greenes rallied as many men as he could and led them in a counterattack, clearing the hills on each side of the road. Upon returning to the column, he supervised the loading of all wounded on trucks. The gallant leadership displayed by Lieutenant Greenes reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Joseph Greenes (ASN: 0-1176983), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Battery, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, who distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 23 May 1951 in the vicinity of Sangny-un-gol, Korea. On that date he was checking forward observers on duty with the rifle companies of the 2d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment. When he received word that one of the forward observers had been wounded, he immediately proceeded to the area where the rifle company was located. Upon nearing the hill he came under intense enemy machine gun fire and was forced to take cover. With undaunted courage Lieutenant Greenes started to move forward into the intense and deadly machine gun fire. He realized that his immediate presence was needed at the company in order to take the place of the wounded forward observer and direct artillery fire on the enemy who might cause serious casualties to the friendly forces. Upon reaching the base of the hill the company was assaulting, he got a radio and called in the much needed artillery support. The intense incoming artillery directed by Lieutenant Greenes relieved the pressure on the riflemen and enabled them to advance. Lieutenant Greenes then picked up a rifle and joined the infantrymen in securing the objective. His gallantry and complete devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.