Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Dental Corps)

    Regiment:

    119th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 25, 1944

    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 89 (October 28, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Dental Corps) Joseph D. Cornwell (ASN: 0-334186), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 25 July 1944, in France. Captain Cornwell was serving with the Medical Detachment of an Infantry Regiment engaged in an offensive operation. Part of the preparations for a large scale attack included aerial bombardment by Allied planes. Some of the bombs fell short, inflicting casualties in the ranks of our forces. With utter disregard for the hazards involved, Captain Cornwell left the safety of his covered shelter and voluntarily moved from place to place in the area while the bombs were still falling in order to render first aid to the casualties. Among his other accomplishments, he assisted in saving four men from certain death by suffocation when they had been buried alive. The actions of Captain Cornwell served as an inspiration for the men of his medical detachment and the regiment. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Cornwell, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.