Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    November 28 – 29, 1950

    Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 633 (July 24, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Joseph R. Fisher (MCSN: 0-45857), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces at Hagaru-ri, Korea, on 28 – 29 November 1950. With his company position under heavy attack by a numerically superior and fanatical enemy force estimated at more than regimental strength, First Lieutenant Fisher repeatedly exposed himself to a terrific hail of shattering hostile machine-gun, grenade, mortar, artillery and small-arms fire in order to move along the full length of his lines and re-deploy his men. Throughout the fierce eight-hour onslaught carried out at near-zero temperatures by wave upon wave of enemy troops operating under cover of darkness and a heavy snowfall, he continued to direct his troops in repulsing assault after assault, lending them words of encouragement and personally spotting accurate mortar fire upon hostile positions. By his superb leadership and cool courage in the face of overwhelming odds, First Lieutenant Fisher served to inspire his gallant men to heroic efforts in repulsing several vicious onslaughts by a resolute enemy, thus insuring the defense of a large segment of a perimeter vital to the welfare of the entire corps at that time. His valiant fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    4th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    August 18 – 24, 1965

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph R. Fisher (MCSN: 0-45857), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Regimental Landing Team 7 in Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam, from 18 to 24 August 1965. Lieutenant Colonel Fisher, the commanding Officer of Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, led his battalion from the initial landing to the successful conclusion of its part in Operation STARLIGHT. Without regard for his own personal safety or welfare, and with almost no sleep, he directed and inspired the men of his battalion during four days of continuous combat. When one of his companies was engaged with the enemy in a critical action, he personally supervised the operation from positions directly behind the advancing troops despite the heavy enemy fire to which he was exposed. His inspiring leadership and timely decisions resulted in 342 confirmed enemy killed and contributed extensively to the highly successful completion of Operation STARLITE. By his professional abilities, daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of personal risk, Lieutenant Colonel Fisher upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Platoon Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    26th Marines

    Division:

    5th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    February 21, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Joseph R. Fisher (MCSN: 0-45857), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. Demonstrating foresight, tactical skill and determination in leading his platoon, Platoon Sergeant Fisher contributed materially to his company’s successful action against the enemy. Although sustaining painful machine gun bullet wounds in his right shoulder and chest during an intense enemy artillery and machine gun barrage, he refused evacuation in order to lead his platoon in its assigned mission and, constantly braving the hostile fire, reconnoitered ground and placed his men in strategic positions before collapsing. His inspiring leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.