Joseph Dill, Jr.

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