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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Joseph L. Erdesky (ASN: 0-2008529), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L [then Company I], 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 7 January 1951 in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea. Company I was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force who soon penetrated the first line of defense and threatened to surround the company. Captain Erdesky, with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved about the defensive perimeter, re-positioning machine guns and rifle squads to block the threatened penetrations. In the face of intense enemy automatic weapons, small arms and grenade fire, he organized a rifle squad and with unwavering courage led his men in an assault which sealed off the area of penetration and forced the surrender of those enemy who were still alive. The gallantry and inspirational leadership displayed by Captain Erdesky reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 27, 1950
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 123 (May 29, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Joseph L. Erdesky (ASN: 0-2008529), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L [then Company I], 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 27 November 1950 in the vicinity of Somin-dong, Korea. Company I was in defensive positions and surrounded by a numerically superior enemy force. The company commander and two runners had displaced to join the forward elements but were pinned down by automatic weapons fire from the right flank. By this action the enemy intended to prevent the rear elements from moving forward to support the forward elements. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Erdesky led a small group of men to an exposed position on the right flank and neutralized the weapon firing on the company commander and runners, and from this position covered their advance across the low ground by diverting the attention of the enemy. Captain Erdesky repulsed the flanking penetration, reorganized the rear company elements, and advanced them to join with the forward group. Captain Erdesky’s gallant and courageous action reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Division:

    83d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 83d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 288 (1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph L. Erdesky (ASN: 0-2008529), United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with the 83d Infantry Division during World War II. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.