Joseph J McCarthy
| Joseph J. McCarthy | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 10, 1911 Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | June 15, 1996 Palm Beach, Florida |
| Status | Survived |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps Reserve |
| Years of service | 1937–1941, 1942–1971 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Service number | 0-11098 |
| Unit | Company G, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division |
| Commands held | |
| Battles / wars | Battle of Iwo Jima |
| Awards | Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Purple Heart |
| Relations | |
| Later work | Superintendent of Ambulances for the Chicago Fire Department; retired from the Marine Corps Reserve as Lieutenant Colonel |
Joseph Jeremiah McCarthy (August 10, 1911 – June 15, 1996) was a United States Marine who received the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest decoration for valor, for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Born in Chicago, McCarthy first enlisted in the Marines in 1937 and re-entered service after Pearl Harbor. He earned the Silver Star on Saipan in July 1944 and commanded Company G, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division at Iwo Jima.
Medal of Honor
[edit]On February 21, 1945, when his company's advance on Motoyama Airfield No. 2 was halted by heavy fire, McCarthy organized a demolitions and flamethrower team and personally led it across 75 yards of fire-swept ground to destroy fortified Japanese pillboxes, capturing the ridge. President Truman presented him the Medal of Honor on October 5, 1945.
Citation
[edit]For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of a rifle company attached to the 2nd Battalion 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 21 February 1945. Determined to break through the enemy's cross-island defenses, Capt. McCarthy acted on his own initiative when his company advance was held up by uninterrupted Japanese rifle, machine gun, and high-velocity 47mm. fire during the approach to Motoyama Airfield No. 2. Quickly organizing a demolitions and flamethrower team to accompany his picked rifle squad, he fearlessly led the way across 75 yards of fire-swept ground, charged a heavily fortified pillbox on the ridge of the front, and, personally hurling hand grenades into the emplacement as he directed the combined operations of his small assault group, completely destroyed the hostile installation. Spotting two Japanese soldiers attempting an escape from the shattered pillbox, he boldly stood upright in full view of the enemy, and dispatched both troops before advancing to a second emplacement under greatly intensified fire, and then blasted the strong fortifications with a well-planned demolitions attack. Subsequently entering the ruins, he found a Japanese taking aim at one of our men, and, with alert presence of mind, jumped the enemy, disarmed, and shot him with his own weapon. Then, intent on smashing through the narrow breach, he rallied the remainder of his company, and pressed a full attack with furious aggressiveness, until he had neutralized all resistance and captured the ridge. An inspiring leader and indomitable fighter, Capt. McCarthy consistently disregarded all personal danger during the fierce conflict, and, by his brilliant professional skill, daring tactics, and tenacious perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, contributed materially to the success of his division's operations against this savagely defended outpost of the Japanese Empire. His cool decision and outstanding valor reflect the highest credit upon Capt. McCarthy, and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
Legacy
[edit]McCarthy worked as Superintendent of Ambulances for the Chicago Fire Department and retired from the Marine Corps Reserve as a lieutenant colonel. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.