Joseph Dill, Jr.
"Joe"
Marine Corps Reserve | Service Number 541247
January 30, 1926
in Hillside, NJ
Joseph Dill, Sr.
Amalia “Mary” (Carasia) Dill
Hillside High School (1944)
High school student
December 22, 1943
at New York, NY
September 18, 1944
from Replacement Battalion, FMF Pacific
March 16, 1945
Killed in action at Iwo Jima
March 16, 1945
Killed in action
1170 Liberty Avenue, Hillside, NJ – address of parents, Joseph & Mary Dill
Service & Campaigns
Boot camp at Parris Island with Fifth Recruit Battalion. Outposted to Camp Lejeune; on rolls of 58th and 61st Replacement Battalions from April – July 1944. Deployed overseas summer 1944.
Joined Charlie Company, First Battalion, 24th Marines at Camp Maui on 18 September 1944.
Outfit: C/1/24th Marines
Rank: Private First Class
MOS: 745 (Rifleman)
Important Events:
March 16, 1945 – killed in action (multiple gunshot wounds) while attacking Japanese position in fortified cave.
Awarded Silver Star Medal for actions on this date:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph Dill, Jr. (MCSN: 541247), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Squad Leader, serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 16 March 1945. Observing a camouflaged cave to be the source of enemy hand grenade and rifle fire hindering the advance of his company, Private First Class Dill single-handedly launched a bold assault upon the hostile position and, disregarding painful wounds and bursting grenades, pressed home his valiant attack under covering fire of his squad until fatally struck down by the enemy. Accounting for eleven Japanese dead during his fierce and desperate charge, Private First Class Dill, by his indomitable fighting spirit and resolute courage in the face of grave peril, materially assisted in reducing a formidable stronghold, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
March 17, 1945 – buried in Plot 1, Row 36, Grave 1779, Fourth Marine Division Cemetery
Individual Decorations
Medal
Silver Star
Purple Heart
Campaign
Iwo Jima (March 16, 1945)
Iwo Jima (March 16, 1945)
Joseph Dill Jr. was born and raised in Hillside, New Jersey. He attended Hillside High School where he was an outstanding 3 sport star athlete. He received a full academic and sports scholarship to the University of Notre Dame but chose, in the spring of his senior year, to enlist in the United States Marine Corp. In February 1945, as part of the 4th Marine Division, PFC Dill took part in the landing on the Japanese held island of Iwo Jima. PFC Dill was killed in action on March 16, 1945, the day before his unit was to be relieved. His remains were returned to his family in New Jersey where he was buried with full Military honors. He was awarded the Silver Star For his heroic acts of bravery. Hillside High School created the Joe Dill Award, which is awarded to the outstanding male and female athletes in the graduating class every year.
THE SILVER STAR:
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph Dill, Jr. (MCSN: 541247), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Squad Leader, serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 16 March 1945. Observing a camouflaged cave to be the source of enemy hand grenade and rifle fire hindering the advance of his company, Private First Class Dill single-handedly launched a bold assault upon the hostile position and, disregarding painful wounds and bursting grenades, pressed home his valiant attack under covering fire of his squad until fatally struck down by the enemy. Accounting for eleven Japanese dead during his fierce and desperate charge, Private First Class Dill, by his indomitable fighting spirit and resolute courage in the face of grave peril, materially assisted in reducing a formidable stronghold, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
General Orders: Commander in Chief
Pacific: Serial 35925 (January 10, 1946)
Action Date: March 16, 1945
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Company: Company C
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 24th Marines
Division: 4th Marine Division