Joseph F. O’Neill

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Joseph F. O’Neill (33594143), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 53d Armored Engineer Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 February 1945. Although infantry forces were pinned down by a heavy concentration of enemy fire, Sergeant O’Neill moved forward to clear a heavily mined road block that was holding up a task force. Without consideration for personal safety, he continued his work of removing mines and setting demolition charges. The clearing of the road block and removal of the mines enabled tanks to advance and take their objectives. Sergeant O’Neill’s actions were highly courageous and reflect great credit upon himself and the Military Forces of the United States.