The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Joseph F. Arbeiter (ASN: RA-6831155), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 21 September 1952 in the vicinity of Hill 266, commonly known as “Old Baldy”, North Korea. On that date, Sergeant Arbeiter, acting as platoon leader of the heavy weapons platoon, was given the mission of supporting his company and other elements of the 2d Battalion during an assault on Hill 266. After directing the fire of his men in a most superior and effective manner, he, without thought of personal safety, proceeded to move his men and weapons forward, leading them through the fire-swept valley, and emplacing them on a knoll on the east slope of the hill, “Little Chicago”, where they could employ direct fire upon enemy counter-attacks. After receiving orders to displace further, he again led his men through the rain of fire to new positions. Again, fearlessly and at extreme risk to his life, he made continual personal checks on his men, going to each position and placing the men so that they were afforded a maximum of cover and protection. The completely fearless actions and the unfaltering courage displayed by Sergeant Arbeiter are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Sponsored by:
–
Home:
,
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Sergeant First ClassBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
38th Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
September 21, 1952
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 346 (September 28, 1952) -
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Sergeant First ClassBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
38th Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
September 9, 1952
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 347 (September 28, 1952)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant First Class Joseph F. Arbeiter (ASN: RA-6831155), United States Army, for heroic achievement as a member of Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 9 September 1952 in the vicinity of Chorwon, North Korea. On that date, Sergeant Arbeiter planned, organized and led a five man reconnaissance patrol from “Outpost Yoke” to a point two and one-half miles into enemy territory. After penetrating about nine hundred yards, he decided to halt in a grove of trees and observe the enemy. A short time later, he saw a large group of enemy soldiers gathered in one spot. Without thought of personal safety, he crept forward to an exposed position and called for and adjusted a devastating barrage of mortar and artillery fire on them, killing approximately fifty and wounding many others. Later, he spotted another group of enemy in the same general area. Again he fearlessly exposed himself to enemy observation and called in a deadly curtain of fire, killing twelve of this smaller group. After sunset, he led the patrol to their objective, gathered the necessary information and returned his men to friendly lines without a casualty. The indomitable courage and unfaltering devotion to duty of Sergeant Arbeiter reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.