The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Joseph Oleair (ASN: 0-417590), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Company of the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 29 November 1943, when he sacrificed his life in an attempt to rescue a patrol which was trapped by the Japanese in a cave on the ledge of a steep bluff at Bougainville, Solomon Islands. Exposing himself to intense close-range machine-gun fire, Captain Oleair crawled up the treacherous bluff four times but was repeatedly driven back before he could reach the ledge. Although he was wounded by the fragments of a hand grenade, he insisted on continuing his dangerous rescue mission. As he was scaling the cliff a fourth time and was within fifteen feet of the ledge, he was struck by a burst of fire from one of the enemy machine guns which covered the cave and its approaches and died shortly after. By the fire which was directed at Captain Oleair, the rescuing party fixed the positions of enemy guns and, inspired by his bold, persistent efforts, outwitted the Japanese and later evacuated the beleaguered patrol. Captain Oleair’s outstanding 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 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.