Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Medical Service Corps)

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 7, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 48 (June 15, 1951)

    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 (Medical Service Corps) Joseph T. Abrams (ASN: 0-2015917), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the Medical Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 7 January 1951 in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea. On that date the command post of the battalion to which Lieutenant Abrams was attached as Assistant Battalion Surgeon was under heavy enemy attack. A convoy which arrived in the area at the same time was subjected to intense hostile automatic weapons fire and the drivers were forced to dismount and seek cover. During the action Lieutenant Abrams heard one of the drivers call for help from a position under a truck. He immediately attempted to run to the aid of the wounded soldier but was forced back by hand grenades and a hail of small arms fire from the enemy who were attempting to force the entrance into the courtyard of the command post. Lieutenant Abrams then dashed forward firing his carbine on full automatic from the hip, and ran to the side of the wounded man through the break created by dead and wounded enemy. He assisted the wounded driver into the open and, under withering enemy fire, carried him to safety inside the command post. The gallantry and devotion to a fallen comrade displayed by Lieutenant Abrams reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.