Sponsored by:

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 Specialist Fourth Class Joseph Guy Lapointe, Jr. (ASN: 51803369), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 April 1969. Specialist La Pointe distinguished himself while serving as a Medical Aidman with Troop B, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, on a combat operation in the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. As Specialist La Pointe’s platoon was moving up a hill to set up a night defensive position, the third squad fell behind because of several heat casualties, but before he reached their position, an artillery round impacted near the position of the main body of the platoon. Realizing that there were probably casualties due to the artillery, he rushed to the aid of his fallen comrades. While moving up the hill, three more rounds impacted between him and the platoon. Never pausing to take cover, he ran headlong through the bursting artillery to the aid of the wounded. He treated seventeen casualties, several of which were severe. He was directly instrumental in saving the life of one man and his quick thinking and expert treatment prevented the possible loss of more lives. Specialist La Pointe’s personal bravery and devotion to duty 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

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fourth Class

    Batallion:

    Headquarters & Headquarters Troop, 2d Squadron

    Regiment:

    17th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    June 2, 1969
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 7 (January 25, 1972)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Joseph Guy Lapointe, Jr. (ASN: 51803369), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Medical Aidman with Headquarters & Headquarters Troop, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces during a combat helicopter assault mission in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 2 June 1969. Specialist Fourth Class Lapointe’s patrol was advancing from the landing zone through an adjoining valley when it suddenly encountered heavy automatic weapons fire from a large enemy force entrenched in well fortified bunker positions. In the initial hail of fire, two soldiers in the formation vanguard were seriously wounded. Hearing a call for aid from one of the wounded, Specialist Fourth Class Lapointe ran forward through heavy fire to assist his fallen comrades. To reach the wounded men, he was forced to crawl directly in view of an enemy bunker. As members of his unit attempted to provide covering fire, he administered first aid to one man, shielding the other with his body. He was hit by a burst of fire from the bunker while attending the wounded soldier. In spite of his painful wounds, Specialist Fourth Class Lapointe continued his lifesaving duties until he was again wounded and knocked to the ground. Making strenuous efforts, he moved back again into a shielding position to continue administering first aid. An exploding enemy grenade mortally wounded all three men. Specialist Fourth Class Lapointe’s courageous actions at the cost of his life were an inspiration to his comrades. His gallantry and selflessness are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.