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 Sergeant First Class Joseph I. Kirkpatrick (ASN: ER-25284103), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 22 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On that date, Sergeant Kirkpatrick’s squad was on a patrol deep in enemy territory when it was subjected to intense enemy crossfire. Sergeant Kirkpatrick, heedless of the hostile fire, moved about his men and encouraged them to remain in position while he gathered the necessary data to be sent back to the command post concerning enemy positions. After completing his mission, Sergeant Kirkpatrick reorganized his squad and ordered them to withdraw while he remained behind to give covering fire. He continued in this manner, inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy, until every man in his squad had safely withdrawn. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Kirkpatrick reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Sergeant First ClassBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
38th Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
July 27, 1951
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 659 (November 1, 1951)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant First Class Joseph I. Kirkpatrick (ASN: ER-25284103), United States Army, for heroic achievement on 27 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On this date Sergeant Kirkpatrick assumed the responsibility of reorganizing the remains of his unit and led them in a night attack upon a strategic enemy-held hill. Although advancing over mountainous terrain and subjected to intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, Sergeant Kirkpatrick, through his courageous leadership, led his men to within striking distance of their objective. Withstanding the withering hail of enemy fire, he succeeded in inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy until his unit was ordered to withdraw. During the withdrawal, Sergeant Kirkpatrick voluntarily remained behind and fought a delaying action until his men had safely withdrawn to defensive positions. The heroism and outstanding leadership displayed by Sergeant Kirkpatrick on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
SergeantBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
38th Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
May 17, 1951
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 227 (June 27, 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 Sergeant Joseph I. Kirkpatrick (ASN: ER-25284103), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 17 May 1951 in the vicinity of Panmegi-ri, Korea. On the morning of that date, Sergeant Kirkpatrick’s squad was acting as an outpost when it was overrun by a superior number of enemy. He voluntarily acted as a rear guard while his entire squad withdrew to better defensive positions. After Sergeant Kirkpatrick rejoined his squad, they were again attacked, at which time he exposed himself openly to enemy fire, throwing every grenade within reach at the onrushing foe until he finally brought the hostile attack to a halt. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Kirkpatrick reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.