Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    119th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 24, 1945

    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 194 (July 18, 1945)

    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 J. Berry (ASN: 31255718), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 March 1945, in Germany. On that date our bombers were returning from a mission across the Rhine River when one of them crashed and burst into flames in a demolition dump. On both sides of the bomber were large stacks of high explosives. Private First Class Berry, with complete disregard for his own safety, fought his way into the burning plane to evacuate some of its occupants until ordered to stop by his officers, at which time the plane and TNT exploded. By his gallant courage under the most hazardous conditions Private First Class Berry has been an inspiration to the men of his organization and his unselfish devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.