Joe R. Varela

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Joe R. Varela (625211), Corporal, 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 8 March 1951. Serving as a fire team leader in a rifle platoon, Corporal Varela displayed outstanding courage and initiative during the attack of a fortified hill position defended by a determined enemy force. Advancing in the face of withering enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire, he skillfully maneuvered his fire team as the leading element, overrunning successive enemy bunkers. As the assault progressed, his unit was suddenly subjected to an accurate barrage of enemy hand grenades thrown from a strategically located bunker on commanding ground. Realizing that the success of the attack depended on the rapid neutralization of the bunker, he fearlessly and with complete disregard for his own safety, charged forward through the deadly barrage in a single-handed assault, accurately throwing hand grenades into the apertures. His great personal bravery and courageous devotion to duty resulted in the neutralization of the strategic ground. Corporal Varela’s heroic actions were an inspiration to all who observed him, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.