- SURNAME
Gilhooly
- FORENAME
Joseph Francis
- UNIT
505th Parachute Infantry Regiment
- RANK
Sergeant (SS), Corporal (BSM)
- NUMBER
12063041
- AWARD
Silver Star & Bronze Star
- PLACE
Belgium 5th January 1945 (SS), Europe 1942-1945 (BSM)
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 05.03.1919 New York, New York, USA
father John Gilhooly
mother Mary (nee Keaveny) Gilhooly
4 years high school
civil occupation semiskilled chauffeurs and drivers, bus, taxi, truck & tractor
employed by Railway Express Company, 219 East 42nd Street, New York, New York
resided 695 East 137 Street, Bronx, New York (draft card)
16.10.1940 draft card Bronx, New York (Note draft card shows D.O.B. 05.03.1918)
single without dependents upon enlistment
15.04.1942 entered service New York City, New York
07.1943 WIA
09.1943 discharged Hospital
01.1945 WIA
23.08.1945 discharged
1947 married Margaret ("Mickey") (nee Weiner) Gilhooly
sons John & Ned, daughter Eileen
died 26.08.1989 (Aged 69)
Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA
CITATION:
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Joseph F. Gilhooly (ASN: 12063041), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 5 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. Sergeant Gilhooly established a forward observation post for 81-mm. mortars on the outskirts of town and directed effective mortar fire on the enemy within the town. Although under continuous heavy fire from SP guns, mortars and artillery, and suffering from wounds, Sergeant Gilhooly stayed at his post directing devastating mortar fire. In the assault on the town, Sergeant Gilhooly moved forward with the first waves, stringing wire for communication and bringing mortar fire in direct support of the attack. As a result of his action the town was taken with a minimum of casualties. Sergeant Gilhooly’s tireless devotion to duty and heroic efforts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.
Bronze Star : For meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States during the period 29 July 1942 to 23 May 1945 in the MEDITERRANEAN and EUROPEAN THEATRE OF OPERATIONS.
Entered military service from BRONX, NEW YORK
Bronze Star : For meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States during the period 29 July 1942 to 23 May 1945 in the MEDITERRANEAN and EUROPEAN THEATRE OF OPERATIONS.
Entered military service from BRONX, NEW YORK
WEB LINKS:
• https://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient/recipient-90719/FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/172861963/joseph-gilhooly
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