Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Company E, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division "Iron Men of Metz", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1944

Joseph W. Napier, Private, Infantry, Company E, 377th Infantry Regiment for gallantry in action against the enemy on the first day of December 1944 in the vicinity of Itzbach, Germany. On the evening of the of December 1944 the 2nd and 3rd platoons of E Company , 377th Infantry Regiment were sent out from Itzbach with the mission of securing a supply route from Itzbach to Oberlund, Germany. In the woods on the West and Southwest of the former town, inside the woods the 1st platoon walked into terrific fire from German machine guns and rifles dug in on the slope of the hill. The platoon deployed quickly and vigorously with their rifles but it was apparent that the superior entrenched firepower of the well-camouflaged German forces had pinned down the outnumbered platoon. Risking his life to forestall this immediate counter fall Private Napier with two companions advanced boldly in the face of enemy fire toward German emplacements, firing from the hip and marching within grenade range Private Napier threw his own grenade at the enemy while dogging their grenades. Approaching the hostile nest Private Napier brandished the cold steel of his bayonet and with his two comrades closed in ruthlessly for the kill. In the ensuing fight the destroyed three German machine gun positions, killed two soldiers and captured six. This bold deed on the part of Private Napier and his two companions permitted the men of the rest of the platoon to completely fulfill their mission. The gallantry of his actions reflects great credit upon Private Napier and is in the highest tradition of military service.

Headquarters, 95th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 44 (1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Company E, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division "Iron Men of Metz", U.S. Army

Citation unavailable.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Company E, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division "Iron Men of Metz", U.S. Army

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Citation unavailable.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Company E, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division "Iron Men of Metz", U.S. Army

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Company E, 377th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division "Iron Men of Metz", U.S. Army