On this Veterans Day, I remember my Dad, winner of the Bronze Star in World War II. I said these words at his funeral: One of the hardest things to get my father to talk about was his experience in the war. He rose to the rank of buck sergeant, and at the age of 20 was commanding a squad of about twelve men. When I asked how he rose so quickly, his response was given with his usual wry sense of humor. He said, “attrition.” He had outlived the others. When I asked if he had ever killed anyone, he said he wasn’t sure, that he fought from building to building, from a distance. But if he had, I would guess that it would be something he would not be proud of, even in war, because my father, as you all know, was one of the gentlest, kindest souls one could meet. I think it is fitting that he won his award for bravery by doing something selfless, for risking his neck for another, because that was who he was, always caring and going out of his way for the ones he loved. He would never brag about his service, and all he ever would say is that he did what everyone else did. Of course, that wasn’t true; he did much more than most, but he was never one to toot his own horn. I miss him so much. And here is the citation from the army: HEADQUARTERS 95th INFANTRY DIVISION AWARD OF BRONZE STAR MEDAL: By direction of the President, and under the provisions of AR 600-45, as amended, and Memorandum No. 34, Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army, 8 September 1944, as amended, the Bronze Star Medal is awarded to the following: MILTON JOSEPH, 12206391, Private First Class, INF Company, 378th Infantry Regiment, for heroic achievement 3 December 1944, in the vicinity of Lisdorf, Germany. When during the withdrawal of a reconnaissance patrol, Private First Class Joseph voluntarily remained behind with another man to administer first aid. Disregarding completely the fierce artillery shelling, Private First Class Joseph and his associate dressed the casualty’s wounds and then carried him over fire-raked ground to a point where evacuation was effected. Private First Class Joseph’s heroic, selfless action reflects great credit of him and exemplifies high traditions of the military service. Entered military service from New Jersey. By command of the Division Commander.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 17:34:37 +0000
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