Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army (31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army)

Staff Sergeant Joseph Arasin (Army Serial Number 33075225), Infantry, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 16 August 1944, in the area of Bonville, France. While serving as a medium tank platoon leader, Staff Sergeant Arasin led four tanks in reconnaissance of a bivouac area. Stopped by a sudden encounter of heavy fire from enemy tanks, anti-tank guns and infantry weapons, three of the vehicles immediately started back toward their command. Although he himself was grounded by a shell fragment and his tank hit twice by anti-tank fire, Staff Sergeant Arasin rallied his platoon and directed an orderly withdrawal. His cool and courageous leadership while painfully wounded reflects credit upon Staff Sergeant Arasin and the Armed Forces.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 44 (10 September 1944).