Joseph Thomas O'Donnell
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army

First Lieutenant O'Donnell was a veteran of World War II, serving with the 82nd Airborne Division.

In Korea on 13 October 1951, he was a Platoon Leader of Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. That day Company A launched an assault on Hill 1220, "Heartbreak Ridge." 1LT O'Donnell led his platoon until they were halted by a heavy barrage of enemy small-arms and mortar fire. He placed himself at the head of his platoon and led them in a renewed assault, during which he charged and destroyed an enemy position and killed its occupants with his rifle and grenades. Although wounded by an enemy grenade, he continued to lead his men in the attack. Knocked down by a second grenade, he immediately arose and again continued to direct his men in the assault. In the platoon's final charge, he was fatally wounded by mortar fragments. 1LT O'Donnell's extraordinary heroism and inspiring leadership earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards & Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Purple Heart
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars
World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge with Star (Second Award)

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph T. O'Donnell (ASN: 0-1059578), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant O'Donnell distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Mundung-ni, Korea, 0n 13 October 1951. On that date, Company A launched an assault on a strategic hill strongly defended by a determined enemy. Lieutenant O'Donnell led his platoon until they were halted by a heavy barrage of enemy small-arms and mortar fire. Unhesitatingly and with complete indifference to the intense fire, he placed himself at the head of his platoon and led them in a renewed assault, during which he charged and destroyed an enemy position and killed its occupants with his rifle and grenades. Although wounded by an enemy grenade, he continued to lead his men in the attack. Knocked down by a second grenade, he immediately arose and again continued to direct his men in the assault. In the platoon's final charge, he was fatally wounded by mortar fragments. His bravery and spirited leadership were an inspiration to all who witnessed his actions and contributed immeasurably in the successful completion of the mission. The courage, tenacity, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant O'Donnell reflect the highest credit on himself, his unit, and the military service.

Burial

First Lieutenant Joseph Thomas O'Donnell is buried at Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, Kings County, NY.

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