Navy Federal Credit Union

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 C. Walker, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 3d Armored Division, in action against the enemy in Belgium on 12 September 1944. On the afternoon of 12 September 1944, Corporal Walker’s unit was assigned to perform a reconnaissance in force mission and to fight its way as far as possible into enemy territory. After the unit had advanced approximately three miles through an heavily wooded area it ran into an enemy road block. The enemy opened with a intensive barrage of anti-tank gun fire and the situation appeared critical as the area was too woody to deploy any combat vehicles off the road. At this time Private First Class Walker immediately dismounted a .30 caliber machine gun and with complete disregard for his own safety proceeded around the right flank of the anti-tank gun and opened fire on the enemy. The gun jammed and in the face of continuous small arms fire, Private First Class Walker seized his rifle and opened fire on the enemy gun crew, causing them to withdraw, whereupon he went forward and destroyed the anti-tank gun. The skill which Private First Class Walker displayed on this assignment, his courage and determination to close with the enemy regardless of consequences and the obstacles which confronted hi are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    83rd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion

    Division:

    3rd Armored Division

    Action Date:

    November 17, 1944

    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 Corporal Joseph C. Walker, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 83d Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Armored Division, in action against the enemy Germany, on 17 November 1944. The 1st and 2d Platoons of Company D, 83d Armored Reconnaissance Battalion with a light tank platoon attached, were given the mission of mopping up enemy resistance in the vicinity of Weipenburg, Germany. During the attack the platoons were pinned down by heavy artillery, mortar, and machine gun fire. Concentrated barrages of machine gun fire were coming 400 yards to our front. Suddenly machine gun fire broke out from our left flank out of our zone, pinning down our left flank platoon. Corporal Walker and a member of his squad went to investigate the fire, thinking it was from a friendly source. Their investigation revealed that three American M-4 tanks manned by the enemy were firing on the platoon. Being fully exposed to the enemy, Corporal Walker opened fire upon the enemy and his action drew the enemy fire upon himself and his comrade, thus enabling the platoon to withdraw. Corporal Walker assisted the platoon leader in reorganizing and withdrawing the platoon through an enemy mined area while still under heavy mortar fire. His bravery and determination to close with the enemy in the face of enemy fire won for him the admiration of all his comrades and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Division:

    3d Armored Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 3d Armored Division, General Orders No. 3 (1945)

    (UNCONFIRMED – Citation Needed): Joseph C. Walker, 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 3d Armored Division during World War II.