Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lance Corporal

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    June 2, 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Joseph F. Hutchison (MCSN: 2475781), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company M, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 2 June 1969, Company M was heavily engaged in combat with a large North Vietnamese Army force approximately four miles east of Khe Sanh and sustained several casualties. As a medical evacuation helicopter arrived to extract the wounded, it came under intense enemy fire, crashed, and burst into flames. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Hutchison fearlessly rushed to the helicopter, undaunted by the flaming gasoline and exploding fifty caliber machine gun rounds, and, with the aid of another Marine, removed the injured aerial gunner and crew chief from the wreckage. Then he smashed the windshield, pulled the pilot and copilot through the opening, and dragged them to relative safety. Once the Marines were removed from the helicopter, Lance Corporal Hutchison provided security for the crew until they could be moved to a position where medical aid was available. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of four Marines. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Hutchison upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.