Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Joseph
E.
Ferrell
August 9, 1926

–

January 26, 2000

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AW) Battalion (SP)

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 27, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 321 (July 27, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Master Sergeant Joseph E. Ferrell (ASN: RA-14329392), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Battery A, 3d Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion (Self Propelled), 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 27 May 1951, in the vicinity of Saksa-ri, Korea, Sergeant Ferrell was in charge of an M-39 personnel carrier loaded with ammunition for the 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry. While attempting to secure a high hill which controlled a vital intersection, the infantry unit exhausted its supply of ammunition. Sergeant Ferrell voluntarily took his vehicle over exposed terrain, which was constantly subjected to hostile mortar and machine gun fire, to the infantry positions where he dismounted from the cover of his vehicle and assisted in unloading the ammunition. Despite the ferocity of the battle, he courageously evacuated several wounded infantrymen to the safety of a nearby aid station. Sergeant Ferrell’s heroic and aggressive actions reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AW) Battalion (SP)

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 15, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 105 (March 14, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Joseph E. Ferrell (ASN: RA-14329392), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Battery A, 3d Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Self Propelled), 3d Infantry Division, in action near Panganga-ri, Korea, on 15 February 1951. On this date, Sergeant Ferrell, while returning from a supporting fire mission with the 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, came upon another platoon of infantry, and a forward observer team pinned down from devastating enemy small arms and mortar fire. Running from vehicle to vehicle, heedless of the enemy fire, he directed his platoon of half-tracks to bring accurate fire on the enemy. Using his knowledge of the enemy situation he personally directed tanks into position upon their arrival and under his direction caused the tanks to bring fire to bear on the enemy. During the firing Sergeant Ferrell went to the pinned-down area numerous times and physically carried out eight wounded infantrymen to safe positions where they could receive first aid and be evacuated. Due to his superb leadership and aggressiveness the enemy fire was neutralized and the pinned-down platoon and observer team were able to leave in comparative safety. Master Sergeant Ferrell’s gallant and heroic actions, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.