The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Joseph H. Connor (NSN: 4227737), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 25 February 1953. Serving as a Platoon Corpsman, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Connor displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. As the unit of which he was a member commenced a raiding action against a strongly fortified position, he was painfully wounded but refused treatment and continued with the assault to the objective area. Expressing complete disregard for his personal safety, he fearlessly moved about in the face of intense enemy mortar, grenade, machine gun and small arms fire in order to locate, treat and evacuate casualties. During the action, he was wounded a second time but again refused medical aid and continued rendering assistance to his fallen comrades. After withdrawing to friendly lines, he personally insured that each casualty had been treated before permitting himself to be evacuated. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Connor’s indomitable spirit and gallant and courageous actions served s an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.