Joseph Wallace Hill

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Joseph Wallace Hill (0-436574), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 92d Infantry Division, on 19 and 20 April 1945, in Italy. Captain Hill’s company was assigned the mission of cutting an enemy supply route. Under cover of darkness, he personally led his company from the last friendly outpost and into enemy territory. After four miles, the wire supply was exhausted and the company proceeded forward without telephone communications to the foot of a hill. Captain Hill was then successfully infiltrating a platoon into the foe’s defenses when a hostile sentinel opened fire on him. Quickly dispersing his men, he worked his way under cover to within four yards of the sentinel and fired his pistol at point blank range, killing him. His shot alerted other enemy outposts and the company was immediately subjected to terrific automatic weapons and mortar fire. Despite this, Captain Hill continually exposed himself, directing his platoon in assaulting and securing their objectives. At dawn, he went forward on reconnaissance and discovered an enemy counterattack developing. Before the enemy could mount his assault, Captain Hill ordered his company to attack, driving the foe into retreat with 20 killed, 12 wounded, and 2 captured. The company then withdrew upon orders with only 6 casualties. Captain Hill’s daring leadership exemplifies the heroic traditions of the United States Army.