Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph Francis Dyer, Jr. (ASN: US-52853124), United States Army, for gallantry in action: Private First Class Dyer distinguished himself by gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 18 November 1967, while serving as a Medical Aidman in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Alpha Company met with the enemy in an attempt to take hill 882 and received heavy casualties. Private Dyer quickly moved to the point of contact and began to administer medical aid to the wounded. Arriving at the side of a seriously wounded man, he began immediate treatment when he came under heavy and accurate fire by the North Vietnamese Army Force. He began dragging the wounded man to cover and was wounded during the accomplishment of this task. Private Dyer continued to administer medical aid to the wounded man while behind the cover of a tree. The enemy discovered his position and began to concentrate automatic weapons fire on his position. In an effort to protect his casualty, he placed his body between the wounded man and the enemy fire and was killed moments later by the enemy fire. Private Dyer’s devotion to duty and compassion for the wounded were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received