Joseph C. Sludock

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Joseph C. Sludock (1221079), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 27 October 1952. Serving as a fire team leader with a small unit established far forward of the main line of resistance, Private First Class Sludock displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. When an overwhelming enemy force attacked the position, he immediately positioned his fire team and brought deadly fire to bear on the enemy. A sudden barrage of hostile mortar and artillery fire struck the outpost and many of the defenders were wounded. After moving the casualties to a sheltered tunnel, he remained at one of the entrances and delivered intense fire with his submachine gun. He was instrumental in killing five of the attackers and wounding at least five others. When the enemy withdrew, he moved through the trenchline to insure that all of the wounded had been placed in covered positions. When the second assault was launched, he and several other Marines engaged the enemy in hand to hand combat until it was impossible to repel the overwhelming force. Again he assumed a position to protect the casualties and when an artillery barrage forced the enemy to withdraw, he returned to the tunnel and offered words of encouragement to the wounded and assisted wherever possible. Private First Class Sludock’s gallant and courageous actions served as a constant inspiration to all who observed him and his indomitable spirit was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.