Joseph Dell Swoyer, Jr.

Enlisted April 1942 and placed on inactive duty with Platoon Leaders’ Unit, Fourth Reserve District. Called to active duty after college graduation, assigned to Company K, Officer Candidates’ Class at Quantico, Virginia. Commissioned as second lieutenant on 26 September 1942; attended Twelfth Reserve Officers’ Class at Quantico, Virginia.

Joined Baker Company, First Separate Battalion (Reinforced) at New River, North Carolina, on 12 December 1942.

Outfit: D/1/24th Marines (2nd MG platoon)
Rank: First Lieutenant
MOS: 1542 (Platoon leader)

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: B/1/24th Marines (MG platoon)
Rank: First Lieutenant
MOS: 1542 (Platoon leader)
Important Events: 
June 22, 1944 – slightly wounded in action; cause and circumstances not known. Not evacuated.
July 8, 1944 – awarded Bronze Star Medal for actions on this date

On July 8, 1944, Lieutenant Swoyer, on reconnaissance, entered an enemy-infested wood and returned to the platoon under his command and personally led small groups into the area. By his aggressive action, he succeeded in destroying two enemy machine gun emplacements, causing many enemy casualties. On numerous other occasions throughout the entire campaign, Lieutenant Swoyer, with utter disregard for his own safety, personally led his platoon in successful assaults against determined enemy resistance. His great courage and heroic devotion to duty throughout the entire campaign were an inspiration to his men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the US Naval Service.

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: B/1/24th Marines (MG platoon)
Rank: First Lieutenant
MOS: 1542 (Platoon leader)
Important Events: 
July 24, 1944 – sick (diagnosis unknown); evacuated to field hospital for treatment
July 28, 1944 – returned to duty

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: B/1/24th Marines
Rank: Captain
MOS: 2600 (Executive officer)
Important Events: 
March 1, 1945 – transferred to Charlie Company to replace wounded Captain Frederic A. Stott as company commander. Wounded in action at 1302 hours (gunshot, left thigh and buttocks); evacuated to unknown location.

Awarded second Bronze Star for actions on this date:

“Heedless of the danger confronting him, he rallied his men in the attack and by his personal courage and determination gained the objective despite a severe wound.”

Campaign Narrative

Treated for Iwo Jima wounds at US Naval Hospital #10 (Aiea Heights). Discharged from hospital and returned to duty with B/1/24th Marines on 12 April 1945. Served as company commander through deactivation of regiment on 31 October 1945. Transferred to Headquarters, Fourth Marine Division on that date.

Temporary duty with First Guard Company, Marine Barracks, Naval Base Philadelphia in early 1946. Resigned commission on 6 March 1946.

On rolls of Officers’ Volunteer Reserve from 1951-195. Last known rank of major.