AWARD OF THE SILVER. STAR MEDAL, OAK LEAF CLUSTER:
Under the provisions of AR 500-45, as amended, and pursuant to authority
contained in letter 200.6-(AG) Headquarters XVIII Corps Airborne, dated 31
August 1944, the Silver Star Medal having been previously awarded, an Oak
Leaf Cluster is awarded to the following named Individual:
JOSEPH HALL, O1824059, Second Lieutenant, 508th Parachute Infantry. For
gallantry in action on 27-28 December 1944 near *** and ***, BELGIUM. During
the period 27-28 December 1944, Second Lieutenant HALL, Platoon Leader,
Company "D", volunteered for several hazardous patrol missions against the
enemy. As a result of Second Lieutenant HALL’s aggressive action, valuable
information concerning enemy strength and the composition of units was
gained. On the 28th of December, Second Lieutenant HALL proceeded with five
men to the vicinity of ***, BELGIUM. He carried with him a mortar tube and
twenty rounds of ammunition. Securing a vantage point from which he could
overlook the village, Second Lieutenant HALL and his men fired the twenty
rounds of 80mm mortar shell into the street amongst a group of the enemy.
Severe casualties were observed to have been caused by this fire. Second
Lieutenant HALL’s great personal courage, and the manner in which he
conducted his patrols, was responsible for inflicting severe losses upon the
enemy and was instrumental in disrupting an attack upon this sector. His
conduct and gallantry reflect great credit upon himself and upon the
Airborne Forces of the United States Army. Entered military service from
SALEM, NEW JERSEY.
HEADQUARTERS
82D AIRBORNE DIVISION
Office of the Division Commander
A.P.O. 468, U.S. ARMY
GENERAL
ORDERS
NUMBER 72
21 May 1945
(Order set courtesy Rex Hall
collection) |
