Rep. Garrett Assists in Awarding Medals to Cpl. Joseph Poggi of Riverdale
Washington,
Aug 23, 2005 -
Congressman Garrett was pleased to help Cpl. Joseph Poggi (ret.) of Rivervale, NJ receive long overdue citations for meritorious service during his time in the United States Army.
Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center deputy director Col. John S. Merkwan presented the Bronze Star Medal with valor device and the Soldier’s Medal to Joseph Poggi of Riverdale during a 1 p.m. ceremony.
Congressman Garrett assisted Poggi in the complex process of documenting the actions for which Poggi belatedly received awards and then submitting the information to the Department of Army for review. The Congressman was proud to be present during the ceremony to honor Cpl. Poggi and saluted him for his selfless actions in the face of danger.
Poggi was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for his actions on Nov. 9, 1950. The award is given to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with the enemy. The performance must involve personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy.
While Poggi’s company, an element of the 278th Infantry Regiment, was on a rifle range, a Soldier went into an epileptic seizure. Then-Pvt. Poggi disregarded his own safety and took away the still-discharging rifle from the Soldier’s hand, thereby avoiding possible injury to the other Soldiers on the firing line. When the stricken Soldier fell to the ground, Poggi forced open the Soldier’s mouth and placed an object in it to prevent the man from biting himself. After the Soldier received medical aid, the medics stated that the actions taken by Poggi saved the Soldier from further injury and possible self strangulation.
Poggi’s Bronze Star Medal was presented with a valor device for his actions on Oct. 3, 1951. The “V” device is awarded as a result of direct combat with an enemy force or to denote accomplishment of a heroic nature or valorous act in direct support of operations against an enemy force.
While serving as a radio operator to the 81mm Mortar Platoon assigned to Company H, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, near the Chorwon Valley in the Republic of Korea, then-Cpl. Poggi’s entire company attacked Hill No. 477. During the attack, the company received intense small-arms fire and mortar, grenade and artillery fire that resulted in many casualties, including the company commander, who was seriously wounded. Poggi realized his company commander was seriously wounded, and he disregarded his own personal safety and immediately went to his commander’s aid. After administering first aid to his commander, Poggi pulled him down the hill to awaiting medics, who evacuated Poggi’s commander to a M.A.S.H. unit.
