The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Joshua M. Phillips (ASN: RA-19390050), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 16 September 1951 in the vicinity of Hanjon-ni, Korea. On this date during an attack on strategic enemy-held positions, Company E was pinned down by intense hostile machine gun fire and all of its officers were wounded. Sergeant Phillips, assistant squad leader, armed only with grenades, advanced under heavy enemy fire and assaulted the enemy position. Throwing grenades into the emplacement, he succeeded in destroying the crew and its weapon. Although painfully wounded, Sergeant Phillips returned to his men and led them in a successful attack against commanding enemy positions. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Phillips on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
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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:
Master SergeantBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
9th Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
December 23, 1951
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 59 (January 27, 1952)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Master Sergeant Joshua M. Phillips (ASN: RA-19390050), United States Army, for heroic achievement as a member of Company E, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division on 23 December 1951 in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea. On this date, while on a reconnaissance patrol, Sergeant Phillips’ men were ambushed by a fanatically determined hostile force. Immediately directing his men in setting up defensive fire, Sergeant Phillips effected a withdrawal toward friendly lines. Upon noticing that a member of his group was missing, he returned with the patrol to locate him. Sighting his comrade, wounded and helpless, Sergeant Phillips, with complete disregard for his personal safety, crossed the fire-swept area and upon reaching him, carried the wounded man to safety. His courage and selfless devotion to comrades were an inspiration to all who observed him and undoubtedly saved the life of the wounded man. The heroism in action demonstrated by Sergeant Phillips on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Master SergeantBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
9th Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
October 9, 1951
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 25 (January 18, 1952)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 Master Sergeant Joshua M. Phillips (ASN: RA-19390050), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 9 October 1951 in the vicinity of Mundung-ni, Korea. On this date Company E was assigned the mission of attacking and seizing vital enemy positions. In the initial phase of the attack, Sergeant Phillips skillfully led his platoon against overwhelming hostile forces in commanding positions. During this action he killed several enemy officers, which disorganized the enemy and weakened his defense. Advancing forward, he repeatedly exposed himself to the intense fire and fearlessly met all resistance by leading his men into the opposition, inflicting numerous casualties on the enemy. Near the objective, a desperate hostile grenade attack slowed friendly troops, but Sergeant Phillips, undaunted by the bursting grenades, continued forward driving the enemy soldiers from their positions. Encouraged by his aggressiveness, the remaining friendly troops rallied to overrun the enemy and secure the objective. The inspiring leadership and gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Phillips were responsible for the success of the mission and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.