Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Sergeant First Class Joseph S. Tupa (ASN: RA-10103626), United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy in Korea.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    September 21, 1950

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 246 (March 16, 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 Sergeant Joseph S. Tupa (ASN: RA-10103626), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy near Waegwan, Korea, on 21 September 1950. Sergeant Tupa’s company was attacking heavily defended enemy positions in an attempt to open the highway for a general offensive toward Taejon. The initial assault was thrown back, but Sergeant Tupa held his ground amid exploding hand grenades and intense small arms fire. From his exposed position he fired on the enemy and encouraged the men near him to hold their ground and fire their weapons. When his immediate supply of ammunition was exhausted he picked up a discarded machine gun lying near him. Throwing the ammunition belt over his shoulder he staged a one man assault with such courage and disregard for his own safety that the other men were inspired to rise and joint he assault. Under continuing heavy enemy fire he single-handedly overran the enemy’s primary position and went on to assault secondary positions, keeping the enemy in this area pinned down so that the platoon following him was able to mop up by-passed positions. He continued to lead the assault until all enemy troops in the area were either dead or captured and the company objective was secured. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Tupa, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Korean War)

    Action Date:

    April 23, 1951 – September 4, 1953

    NARA Database: Repatriated Korean Conflict Prisoners of War, 7/5/1950 – 10/6/1954

    Sergeant First Class Joseph S. Tupa (ASN: RA-10103626), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War after he was captured during the Korean War on 23 April 1951 and was held until his release on 4 September 1953 after the signing of the Armistice.