Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 7, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 179 (June 7, 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 Private First Class Joe Humpheries (ASN: RA-44187705), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 7 April 1951, near Tong-mac-tong, Korea, while operating as a component part of “Task Force Hawkins”, Private Humpheries’ platoon attacked firmly entrenched enemy positions. Seeing that two of his fellow soldiers were pinned down by the withering hostile fire sweeping the area, Private Humpheries voluntarily moved his automatic weapon to an exposed position where he was able to place extremely effective fire on the enemy emplacements. With no regard for his personal safety and despite the proximity of the enemy, he deliberately drew the fire away from his fellow infantrymen. Then assaulting the enemy strongpoint, Private Humpheries single-handedly killed three enemy soldiers and captured two, thereby saving the lives of his comrades. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Private Humpheries reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.