(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Joseph May Swing (ASN: 0-3801), United States Army, was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, as Commanding General of the 11th Airborne Division from 1943 to 1945.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
11th Airborne DivisionAction Date:
World War II
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Major General Joseph May Swing (ASN: 0-3801), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding General, 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands, in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major General Swing, 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.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
11th Airborne DivisionAction Date:
April 15 – 17, 1945
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2 (September 26, 1947)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major General Joseph May Swing (ASN: 0-3801), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding General, 11th Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces from 15 to 17 April 1945, at Luzon, Philippine Islands. Major General Swing displayed superior tactical knowledge and inspiring leadership while personally leading repeated attacks against the strong Japanese defense position at Mount Macolod, Batangas, Luzon. He flew many dangerous flights in liaison airplanes at low altitudes over the heavily defended ridges in order to make a thorough estimate of the enemy positions and of the terrain. Despite the protest of subordinates, he personally, and on foot, led tank destroyers forward through intense enemy machine-gun and mortar fire to place them in more advantageous positions, and directed their fire so effectively that the enemy-held ridge was taken without further delay. He then moved to the south flank where he found the front lines stalemated and weapons unmanned because of heavy enemy fire. With heroic disregard for his personal safety, General Swing strode fearlessly between tanks and machine guns, calling upon his troops to man their weapons and attack. Inspired by his fearlessness and heroic action, the troops attacked, silenced the Japanese fire, and seized and held the main enemy positions. Through his inspiring courage and valiant leadership, General Swing made a distinguished contribution to the liberation of the Philippine Islands. His gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 11th Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
11th Airborne DivisionAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 13 (1945)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Major General Joseph May Swing (ASN: 0-3801), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding General, 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands, in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major General Swing, 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.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
11th Airborne DivisionAction Date:
1943 – 1945
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Joseph May Swing (ASN: 0-3801), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding General of the 11th Airborne Division from 1943 to 1945.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
11th Airborne DivisionAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, XXIV Corps, General Orders No. 10 (1945)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major General Joseph May Swing (ASN: 0-3801), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding General, 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands, in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major General Swing, 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.