Medal of Honor: Joseph Jeremiah McCarthy – U.S. Marine Corps – World War II

Name: Joseph Jeremiah McCarthy
Rank: Captain
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Unit: 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division
Place: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands
Entered Service At: Illinois
Born: 10 August 1911, Chicago, Illinois

Summary of Action

During the bitter struggle for Iwo Jima, Capt. Joseph J. McCarthy’s rifle company was advancing toward Motoyama Airfield No. 2 when it was halted by relentless Japanese rifle, machinegun, and high-velocity 47mm fire from heavily fortified positions.

Determined to break through the enemy’s cross-island defenses, Capt. McCarthy acted on his own initiative. He quickly organized a demolitions and flamethrower team to accompany a picked rifle squad and personally led the assault across 75 yards of fire-swept terrain.

Reaching a fortified pillbox on the ridge, he hurled hand grenades into the emplacement while directing the coordinated attack of his small assault group, completely destroying the position. When two Japanese soldiers attempted to escape, he stood upright in full view of the enemy and shot both before pressing forward.

Advancing under intensified fire, he led the attack against a second strongpoint, demolishing it with a well-executed explosives assault. Entering the shattered ruins, he discovered a Japanese soldier aiming at one of his Marines. With swift action, he leaped on the enemy, disarmed him, and shot him with his own weapon.

With the ridge still contested, Capt. McCarthy rallied his company and drove a full, aggressive assault that smashed all remaining resistance and secured the objective.

His leadership, fearless initiative, and professional skill were instrumental in breaking the enemy line and advancing the division’s mission.

Medal of Honor Citation

McCARTHY, JOSEPH JEREMIAH

Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division.
Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945.
Entered service at: Illinois.
Born: 10 August 1911, Chicago, Ill.

Citation:
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 2d 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, machinegun, 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 2 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 1 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.