Navy Federal Credit Union

Joseph Toomey graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1949. He was captured during the Korean War and interned as a Prisoner of War. He was not among those returned at the wars end, and is listed as Missing in Action. His remains have never been recovered.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    August 25, 1950

    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 161 (1950)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph Daniel Toomey (ASN: 0-59248), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company I, 3d Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy near Waegwan, Korea, on 25 August 1950. First Lieutenant Toomey led his platoon to the Imjin River, and with a sergeant was the first to make the crossing, but the rest of the platoon was struggling in the swift current. First Lieutenant Toomey signaled for them to hurry, and while waiting was struck in the head by an enemy grenade, which did not explode but did cause severe bleeding. After the 3d Platoon had crossed the river, he started back across the river to the aid station for treatment. While re-crossing the river he encountered three soldiers bogged down un er heavy fire and rescued them. He also carried a wounded soldier 300 yards to relative safety, all while under enemy fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Toomey, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Korean War)

    Action Date:

    November 28, 1950 – MIA In Captivity

    Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office

    First Lieutenant Joseph Daniel Toomey (ASN: 0-00059248), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War after he was captured on 28 November 1950 during the Korean War. He was unaccounted for after the war and is presumed to have died or been killed while in captivity.