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AMEDD Silver Star > WWII

Interesting Notes:

Corporal Sinton Jones Jr. was also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in WW II

Private First Class Joph Ito, a medic with the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team (Nisei Volunteers), raced across 150 yards of open terrain under sniper, machine gun and artillery fire to reach and treat 5 wounded comrades.

Technician Fifth Grade Henry Jenkins is one of only two medics known to have received the Combat Medic Badge three times for service in WW II, Korea and Vietnam. (The other medic is PFC Wayne Slagel). Henry earned the first of his two Silver Stars in WW II. His second was earned in Korea in 1950. Read the story of the only known three time recipients of the Combat Medical Badge in the AMEDD Historian.

First Lieutenant Albert E. Johnson was a Medical Administrative Corps officer.

* Denotes Posthumous Award

IANNI, DAVID M.
Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division
Action Date: 18 January 1945
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade David M. Ianni (ASN: 42022005), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 18 January 1945, near Sessenheim Woods, France. As medical aid man, Corporal Ianni voluntarily advanced across an open field through intense enemy fire to administer first aid to two wounded men. After reaching the men and treating their wounds, Corporal Ianni returned through sniper, artillery and mortar fire, guided litter bearers to the wounded men and supervised their evacuation. During this entire time, the area was subjected to heavy artillery fire. By his courage and devotion to duty he saved two fellow soldiers from possible death or capture.
General Orders: Headquarters, 42d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 129 (1945)
Home of record: Batavia, New York

ITO, JOPH
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company G, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division
Action Date: October 17, 1944
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joph Ito (ASN: 39003716), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with Company G, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, on 17 October 1944, near Bruyeres, France. During a fierce enemy attack, the first platoon of Company G was subjected to intense sniper, machine gun and artillery fire which seriously wounded five soldiers. Private First Class Ito, as an Aid Man attached to the first platoon, exposing himself to the terrific hostile fire, left his covered position in a draw and ran one hundred and fifty yards across open terrain to the aid of the injured men. While administering first aid to one of the soldiers, Private First Class Ito was severely wounded in the back. Despite his painful wounds, he remained with the injured men for over five hours, constantly exposing himself to the heavy enemy fire. The complete disregard for personal safety displayed by Private First Class Ito reflects great credit upon himself and contributed materially toward saving his comrades' lives.
General Orders: Headquarters, 7th Army, General Orders No. 137 (December 27, 1944)
Home of record: San Mateo, California

IWATAKI, MASAMI S.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 92d Infantry Division
Date of Action: 26 October 1944
Citation:
By Direction of the President, under the authority contained in Circular Number 89, Headquarters Mediterranean Theater of Operations, 10 July 1944, a Silver Star is awarded to Private First Class Masami S. Iwataki, Medical Detachment, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 26 October 1944, in France. When informed that a wounded man lay exposed to further enemy fire, Private First Class Iwataki, disregarding his personal safety, left the safety of his position, and ran across one hundred yards of open terrain to rescue the wounded man. After locating the wounded man, Private First Class Iwataki calmly rendered first aid under enemy small arms fire. He then picked up the casualty and carried him to safety. His courageous action in all probability saved the wounded man from possible loss of life. Private First Class Iwataki’s courage, coolness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the best traditions of the United States Army.
General Orders: General Order number 22, Headquarters, 92d Infantry Division, 15 May 1945
Home of Record: Cajon, California

*JACKSON, CLARENCE H.
Technician Fourth Grade, Medical Department U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 35th Infantry Division
Date of Action: 16 to 19 September 1944
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, and pursuant to authority contained in AR 600-45, dated 22 September 1943, as amended, and Circular 6, Headquarters Third United States Army, 26 April 1944, a Silver Star Medal is awarded posthumously to Technician Fourth Grade Clarence H. Jackson, (then Technician Fifth Grade), Medical Department, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 35th Infantry Division in the vicinity of ***, France, from 16 to 19 September 1944. On the night of 16 September, Technician Jackson voluntarily rode into the town of **** on a tank destroyer during the course of an infantry-tank destroyer attack. The attacking force was subjected to heavy fire upon entering the town, and Technician Jackson went to the aid of a soldier wounded in the initial exchange of fire. While so engaged, a projectile form an enemy rocket-launcher exploded nearby, and the concussion severely injured his back. Disregarding his personal condition, he continued his treatment of the wounded man, arranged for his evacuation, then continued caring for the wounded throughout the night. On the following three days, during continued heavy fighting, he accompanied forward units, rendering first aid to the wounded. He was finally evacuated when it was noticed that he could not walk upright. He was killed in a subsequent action against the enemy. His intrepid actions, utter disregard for his personal condition, and zealous devotion to duty, reflect the highest credit upon his character as a soldier and upon the Medical Department of the Army.
General Orders: General Order number 50, Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, 4 November 1944
Home of Record: Missouri

JACKSON, HENRY
Private, U.S. Army
Medical Department, 24th Infantry Division
Action Date: 24 October 1944
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Henry Jackson (ASN: 38188053), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 24th Infantry Division at Palo, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 24 October 1944. While advancing through a coconut grove about ten members of the company to which Private Jackson was attached were wounded. With complete disregard for his own safety Private Jackson in the face of heavy enemy machine gun and sniper fire ran from one wounded man to another administering first aid. During the course of his heroic acts, his first aid pack was shot from his back, but he continued his aid to the wounded men. Private Jackson's courageous actions in risking his life to save his fellow soldiers is worthy of the highest military traditions and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
General Orders: Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 29 (December 5, 1944)
Home of record: Gilliham, Arkansas

JARMOSKA, CARROLL P.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 6th Infantry Division
Date of Action: Unknown
Synopsis: Citation Needed
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Carroll P. Jarmoska, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving in WW II. The bravery and self-sacrifice displayed by Private First Class Jarmoska’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Order: General Order number 17, Headquarters, 6th Infantry Division. The Bulletin of the US Army Medical Department

JAYE, PETER
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 80th Infantry Division
Action Date: February 8 - 10, 1945
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Peter Jaye (ASN: 32024247), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 8, 9, and 10 February 1945 in Luxembourg. On those dates, while the bridgehead from Luxembourg across the Sauer River into the Siegfried Line was being strongly contested, Staff Sergeant Jaye ably operated a temporary aid station to care for wounded evacuated across the river by boat. Although the aid station was hit by enemy artillery several times, under the supervision of Staff Sergeant Jaye, over two hundred and fifty patients received their initial treatment and were evacuated under the cover of darkness without the loss of a single life. Staff Sergeant Jaye's courage, skill, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 77 (March 18, 1945)
Home of record: New York

JENKINS, HENRY l. (First Award)
Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army
Company H, 161st Infantry Regiment
Date of Action: 31 July 1943
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Henry Lavor Jenkins (ASN: 39677477), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman attached to Company H, 161st Infantry Regiment, in action at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 31 July 1943. During the XIV Corps attack on Munda Airfield the 2d Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment engaged a heavily defended Japanese strongpoint on a hill. The enemy defenses consisted of well concealed machine guns and rifle emplacements which covered all approaches to the hill. Fallen trees and underbrush limited observation on the ground to thirty yards. In the hot, clear morning of 31 July 1943 Company E, 161st Infantry and a machine gun platoon of Company H attacked the hill. At 1700 the leading elements had advanced to a point near the crest of the hill. Suddenly two machine guns opened fire at a range of 25 yards killing one man and wounding another. The wounded soldier lay in a cleared area exposed to the Japanese machine guns 25 yards to the front. Learning of the wounded man lying in an exposed position Technician Fifth Grade Jenkins quickly volunteered to attempt a rescue. He crawled forward with two other soldiers to a position behind a large tree 15 yards from the wounded man. Upon a pre-arranged signal friendly machine gun fire was placed upon the Japanese position. Technician Fifth Grade Jenkins quickly left his covered position and ran across the clearing to within 25 yards of the Japanese machine guns. With the aid of two soldiers he picked up the wounded man and carried him back to safety. Technician Fifth Grade Jenkins administered first aid and remained with the wounded man until he was evacuated the next morning. The voluntary and courageous actions of Technician Fifth Grade Jenkins resulted in the prompt medical treatment of the wounded man which saved his life with a loss of one eye.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 482 (October 14, 1943)
Home of Record: Utah
Tech 5 Jenkins would earn a second Silver Star in Korea in 1950.

JERACKAS, PETER B.
Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army
Medical Department, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division
Action Date: January 25 & 26, 1945
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Peter B. Jerackas (ASN: 31303662), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman of the Medical Department, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 25 January and 26 January 1945. When two Medical Aid Men were seriously wounded by anti-personnel mines, Corporal Jerackas immediately went to their aid. Without regard for his own safety, he crossed three hundred yards of open terrain, under heavy enemy small arms and mortar fire, to render aid to the wounded men. During the action he frequently crossed open, mine-infested terrain, to bring aid to the wounded. His actions reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.
General Orders: Headquarters, 8th Armored Division, General Orders No. 61 (July 4, 1945)
Home of record: Lawrence, Massachusetts

JIRAK, CLYDE E.
Technician Fourth Grade, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 397th Anti-aircraft Artillery Auto-Weapons Battalion
Date of Action: Unknown
Synopsis: Citation Needed
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Clyde E. Jirak, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 397th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Auto-Weapons Battalion. The bravery and self-sacrifice displayed by Technician Fourth Grade Jirak’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: General Order number 53, Headquarters, First Army, 1944

JOHNSON, ALBERT E.
First Lieutenant, Medical Administrative Corps, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 30th Infantry Division
Date of Action: 7 August 1944
Citation:
Under the provisions of AR 600-45, 22 September 1943, and pursuant to authority contained in paragraph 4, Section I, circular 66, Headquarters First United States Army, 18 May 1944, the Silver Star is awarded to First Lieutenant Albert E. Johnson, Medical Administrative Corps, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 7 August 1944, in France. When a battalion of friendly troops had been isolated in enemy territory, Lieutenant Johnson volunteered to infiltrate German lines in order that badly needed plasma would reach them. Without knowledge of German positions and as to what definite route to take, Lieutenant Johnson with the aid of an enlisted man, drove an ambulance over a hazardous route during partial black-out in his successful effort to bring medical aid to his wounded comrades. Upon completion of the mission, and finding that they could be of no further assistance to the troops, they returned unescorted to their company area. The courageous and unselfish devotion to duty of Lieutenant Johnson to voluntarily subject himself to such hazards reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.
General Orders: General Order number 48, Headquarters 30th Infantry Division, 25 August 1944
Home of Record: Illinois

JOHNSON, JOSEPH E.
Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 255th Infantry Regiment, 63rd Infantry Division
Date of Action: 15 March 1945
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Joseph E. Johnson (ASN: 33700846), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Medical Detachment, 255th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 15 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ommersheim, Germany. Although subjected to heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire, Technician Fifth Grade Johnson, with utter disregard for personal safety, moved among the men of Company K administering first aid. Despite severe enemy artillery and machine gun fire, he carried severely wounded men to covered positions where first aid could be given and evacuation was possible. His outstanding gallantry and determination to perform his mission reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
General Orders: Headquarters, 63d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 118 (April 22, 1945)

JOHNSON, WILLIAM L.
Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division
Date of Action: World War II
Synopsis: Citation Needed
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade William L. Johnson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 11th Armored Division during World War II. The bravery and self-sacrifice displayed by Technician Fifth Grade Johnson’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: General Order number 11, Headquarters, 11th Armored Division, 1945

JONES, JOHN P.
Captain, Medical Corps, U.S. Army
*** Field Artillery Battalion, 34th Infantry Division
Action Date: September **, 1943
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Medical Corps) John P. Jones (ASN: 0-404305), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer with the *** Field Artillery Battalion, 34th Infantry Division, on ** September 1943, in the vicinity of *****, Italy. On the morning of ** September two batteries of the Battalion received heavy enemy counter-battery fire, resulting in many casualties. Upon receiving this information, Captain Jones with utter disregard for his own personal safety ran across 1,000 yards of open terrain, under full observation of the enemy, to the gun positions. Upon reaching the wounded, he personally directed the evacuation and first-aid of these men, despite the added hazard of an exploding ammunition dump nearby which had received a direct hit from enemy artillery. Captain Jones' courage, initiative and devotion to duty was an inspiration to the Battalion and a credit to the Armed Forces of the United States.
General Orders: Headquarters, 34th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 6 (January 25, 1944)
Home of record: Mitchell, South Dakota

JONES, MELVIN R.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
5th Medical Battalion, 5th Infantry Division
Date of Action: WW II
Unconfirmed, Citation Needed:
Private First Class Melvin R. Jones, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 5th Infantry Division during World War II. The bravery and self-sacrifice displayed by Private First Class Jones’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: General Order No 47, Headquarters 5th Infantry Division, 1945

JONES, SINTON JR.
Corporal, U.S. Army
Medical Detachment, 165th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division
Date of Action: 25 June 1944
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Sinton Jones, Jr. (ASN: 37235749), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 165th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 25 June 1944. When a number of officers and men were lying seriously wounded on an exposed ridge and evacuation to the rear was impracticable because of terrain difficulties, Corporal Jones went forward with a section of the Battalion Aid Station to administer immediate medical treatment to these casualties. For over an hour, Corporal Jones remained in the front line, under constant enemy mortar and rifle fire, calmly rendering treatment to the wounded. The nature of his work made it necessary for him to remain exposed during the greater part of this time. His rapid and efficient work, under conditions of great personal danger, contributed in a very large measure to the saving of these wounded.
General Orders: Headquarters, 10th Army, General Order No. 48 (July 28, 1944)