The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Joseph Mortimer Kiernan, Jr. (ASN: 0-57075), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force while serving as Commanding Officer, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action on 28 October 1966 in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Colonel Kiernan was directing the construction of field expedient footbridges in Binh Long Province. A small element of his battalion prepared the bridges to facilitate the troop maneuvers during Operation SHENANDOAH. Having personally reconnoitered the area, Colonel Kiernan realized the problems and hazards involved in the operation and accompanied the troops to the site to direct the operation himself. Although heavy fighting was taking place in the immediate area, Colonel Kiernan, fully recognizing the immediate danger, remained with his men to supervise and encourage them. He continuously exposed himself to hostile fire as he moved about the Viet Cong infested area. When a CH-47 helicopter arrived in the area to extract his unit, the hostile forces concentrated devastating fire from .50 caliber machine guns and other automatic weapons against the aircraft. Colonel Kiernan immediately realized the imminent threat to the helicopter and its crew. Completely disregarding his personal safety, he exposed himself to the deadly hostile fire to signal the pilot not to land. Through this outstanding display of personal bravery a helicopter and its entire crew avoided a probable crash and loss of lives. Colonel Kiernan remained exposed at the site to direct his men until the Viet Cong fire could be suppressed in order to allow the aircraft to land and extract his unit. His courage and complete willingness to expose himself to hostile fire were unfailingly inspirational to the members of his command. Lieutenant Colonel Kiernan’s unquestionable valor in close combat against superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Joseph Mortimer Kiernan, Jr. (ASN: 0-57075), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force while serving as Commanding Officer, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action on 14 April 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date during Operation MANHATTAN, Colonel Kiernan was flying in his command and control helicopter over an area where three bridges were to be constructed for a future armor operation. Although the region was infested with Viet Cong, Colonel Kiernan unhesitatingly had the helicopter land at each bridge site to make a more accurate survey of the terrain features and to determine the soil composition in the area. While making a landing approach at one of the sites, the helicopter was suddenly subjected to an intense volley of ground fire. Colonel Kiernan immediately directed the pilot to maneuver the aircraft in a slow circle while he placed rifle fire on the insurgents’ position. Undaunted by the heavy enemy return fire, Colonel Kiernan continued to engage the Viet Cong until he expended his rifle ammunition. After instructing his pilot to hover over the enemy emplacement, he took his .45 caliber pistol and fired several accurate shots which silenced the fire from the Viet Cong position. He then ordered his pilot to land the aircraft. Once on the ground, Colonel Kiernan set out in the direction of the insurgents armed only with his pistol. After following a trail several meters into the jungle, he surprised one of the enemy and apprehended him. The intelligence information gathered through Colonel Kiernan’s demonstration of great courage and dynamic leadership significantly contributed to the successful outcome of the armor operation. Lieutenant Colonel Kiernan’s unquestionable valor while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an insurgent force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.