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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Corporal Joseph Martin Poggi (ASN: RA-12345970), United States Army, for heroic achievement on 3 October 1951, while serving as a Radio Operator to the 81-mm. Mortar Platoon assigned to Company H, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, near the Chorwon Valley, in the Republic of Korea. The entire company attacked Hill #477 and during the attack, the company was subjected to intense small arms fire, mortar, grenade and artillery fire, resulting in many casualties, including the company commander, who was seriously wounded. Corporal Poggi realized that his company commander was seriously wounded and disregarding his own personal safety, immediately went to his aid. After administering first aid to the company commander, Corporal Poggi pulled him down the hill to awaiting medics, who had him evacuated to a M.A.S.H. unit. Corporal Poggi’s exemplary performance of duty in active ground combat was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    287th Infantry Regiment

    Action Date:

    November 9, 1950

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Private Joseph Martin Poggi (ASN: RA-12345970), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. On 9 November 1950, while the Company was on the rifle range, a Soldier went into an epileptic seizure. Disregarding his own safety, Private Poggi took the still discharging rifle away from the Soldier’s hand, thereby avoiding possible injury to the men on the firing line. When the stricken Soldier fell to the ground Private Poggi forced open the Soldier’s mouth and placed an object therein to prevent the man from biting himself. After the Soldier received medical aid, the medics stated that the actions taken by Private Poggi saved the Soldier from further injury and possible self strangulation. Private Poggi’s heroic action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 278th Infantry Regiment, and the United States Army.