Joseph R. Fisher

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Joseph R. Fisher (0-45857), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces at Hagaru-ri, Korea, on 28 – 29 November 1950. With his company position under heavy attack by a numerically superior and fanatical enemy force estimated at more than regimental strength, First Lieutenant Fisher repeatedly exposed himself to a terrific hail of shattering hostile machine-gun, grenade, mortar, artillery and small- arms fire in order to move along the full length of his lines and re-deploy his men. Throughout the fierce eight-hour onslaught carried out at near-zero temperatures by wave upon wave of enemy troops operating under cover of darkness and a heavy snowfall, he continued to direct his troops in repulsing assault after assault, lending them words of encouragement and personally spotting accurate mortar fire upon hostile positions. By his superb leadership and cool courage in the face of overwhelming odds, First Lieutenant Fisher served to inspire his gallant men to heroic efforts in repulsing several vicious onslaughts by a resolute enemy, thus insuring the defense of a large segment of a perimeter vital to the welfare of the entire corps at that time. His valiant fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Joseph R. Fisher (0-45857), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on August 18 – 24, 1965. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Lieutenant Colonel Fisher upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.