Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Private First Class Joseph B. McCarthy (ASN: US-56076345), United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy in Korea, while serving with Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 3 September 1951 in the vicinity of Mandeau-san, Korea. On this date Company L’s position on a strategic hill was attacked by a fanatically determined hostile force. Private McCarthy, a rifleman, faced the brunt of the attack and, although continuously under an intense hail of enemy fire, remained in his position inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy. During one of the enemy’s attacks he heard a comrade call for aid. Disregarding his personal safety, Private McCarthy left the cover of his foxhole and crossed the fire-swept terrain to the side of his fallen comrade. There he administered first aid and carried the wounded man over the hazardous terrain to a position of safety. Through his courageous and selfless actions, the hostile attacks were repelled and many lives were saved. The gallantry in action displayed by Private McCarthy on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 30, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 771 (November 26, 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 Joseph B. McCarthy (ASN: US-56076345), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 30 July 1951 in the vicinity of Tseusan, Korea. On that date during an assault on well fortified enemy positions, Company L was counterattacked by a numerically superior enemy force. When his unit was forced to withdraw, Private McCarthy, with complete disregard to the intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons and grenade fire, remained in his position to cover the withdrawal of his comrades. With his automatic rifle and grenades, he held off the advancing hostile force until his comrades had withdrawn and set up a defensive perimeter. He then withdrew and aided in the defense of his unit’s position, inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. His courageous action and devotion to duty were an inspiration to his comrades and undoubtedly saved many of their lives. The gallantry in action displayed by Private McCarthy on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.