Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technician Fifth Grade

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 21, 1945

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 184 (December 19, 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 Technician Fifth Grade Joseph Froehlich (ASN: 39920871), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 21 February 1945. At 2200 on 20 February 1945, the enemy detonated a large quantity of explosives stored in a cave on Malinta Hill. The terrific explosion caused a landslide which buried alive six members of a platoon that had bee guarding its entrance in addition to several men who were injured by the falling rock and were isolated on the side of the cliff. A PT boat was obtained and medical aid men went ashore in rubber boats to attempt a rescue. Technician Fifth Grade Froehlich climbed the face of the 100 foot cliff by means of a rope and helped to lower one man, but since it was dark and the enemy waw along the waters edge further up the beach, that method of rescue was abandoned. At daylight, Technician Fifth Grade Froehlich crawled from the water’s edge up to the fare side of the loose ricks and dirt bringing coils of rope, He immediately set to work rigging up his robes and digging foot steps around the large rocks, enabling aid men to reach the wounded with plasma and medical aid. When they had been cared for, he carried each of the less seriously wounded to the bottom of the slide, and helped carry a litter case down the ropes. After all the wounded men had been lowered, he made a trip to carry down a machine gun to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy. Technician Fifth Grade Froelich’s gallant devotion to duty at the risk of his own life reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 184 (1945)

    (UNCONFIRMED – Citation Needed): Joseph Froehlich, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 24th Infantry Division during World War II.