The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Joseph F. Isler (MCSN: 489967), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 16 April 1945. Although wounded in the leg while leading the attack on an enemy-held position on Mount Yaetake, Corporal Isler continued up the steep slope to the top where he carried on the fire fight until his rifle jammed. Throwing his gun aside, he fell back to pick up a casualty’s rifle and grenades and, returning to the lines, continued the firefight until wounded in the chest by grenade fragments. After he was ordered back off the line, he voluntarily helped evacuate casualties despite his own painful wounds. Corporal Isler’s indomitable fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



