Looking for Info on WWII Bronze Star Winner (Vanity)

Co-Worker ^ | 9/19/2003 | day10

[day10]

I am looking for information for a co-worker. This is a very interesting story.

The father of one of my co-workers passed away 2 weeks ago. (The link I supplied for this post goes to his obituary in my hometown newspaper.) His name was Joseph J. Becker, and he was a Staff Sergeant in Company C, 147th Infantry in WWII. On Guadalcanal, he received a Bronze Star.

It was only a couple of years ago that my co-worker even found out about this award, and his father would never tell him what he did to receive it. He would just brush off questions, saying it was no big deal.

My co-worker would like to find out how his father received this medal, so I thought I would post to FR and maybe get some links to or suggestions of places to go where he might find this information. If you have any ideas or places, please either post them here or Freepmail me.

My co-worker has given me copies of his father's discharge papers, and here is some additional info from them. He was:

Platoon Sergeant
Rifle Sharpshooter, Combat Infantryman Badge

Decorations and Citations: "Asiatic-Pacfic Theater Ribbon w/2 Bronze Stars per WD GO #33/45; American Defense Service Medal; Good Conduct Ribbon per QH 16, Co C 147 Inf 29 Oct 43;"

Any guidance or help would be appreciated - I would really like to track down the information about this American Hero for his son.

day10

[Kenton]

I don't think this is the kind of "bronze star" you are thinking of. Service ribbons have stars at the top to indicate how many time a particular award has been given. In this case, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon. VietNam vets who served more than one tour of duty got one star per tour.

This is different from the Bronze Star which is awarded for valor (although he probably displayed plenty of valor).

[Wolverine]

"Joseph J. Becker" 147th Infantry "Bronze Star citation"

Check here: Request Copies of Military Personnel Records

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/980905/posts

Welcome to our online military personnel records request system. http://www.archives.gov/research_room/vetrecs/

[CholeraJoe]

I agree with Kenton. The two bronze stars signify subsequent awards of Service ribbons and do not refer to the Bronze Star Medal.

[gcruse]

One of the heroes of Guadalcanal was, oddly enough, from the Coast Guard. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/Munro.html

[Ace the Biker]

I agree that the bronze stars are not the "Bronze Star", however anyone who received the Combat Infantryman's Badge" is a hero in my book.

[Kenton]

Look here for an interesting history of the 147th. Or just do a Google search for "147th Infantry, Guadalcanal".

[dix]

Read later

[areeves79]

This might help if you don't have the medals. On this website you can order the medals. http://www.usmedals.com/store.html?id_medals=0919WB858247

[ASA Vet]

Bronze Star", however anyone who received the Combat Infantryman's Badge

I knew two ASA types who got Bronze Star medals
for actions in combat, but neither could get a CIB as
they didn't hold an infantry MOS.

Since they were both ASA, they didn't show up at the presentation ceremony
the first time it was scheduled.
The second time they did show up, (very drunk.)

[day10]

Thanks to everyone for all info and links - this is one of the reasons I love FR!

I will pass these replies and links on to my co-worker so he can begin to gather info.

day10

[Galatians513]

My father received the bronze star for his action in the Hurtgen Forest, but so did virtually everyone in that campaign. Consequently, he didn't value the medal much, but he did value his Combat Infantry Badge, and his Purple Heart.

A Walk in the Hurtgen