LAPOINTE, JOSEPH G., JR.

Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division

Place: Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam

Date: 2 June 1969

Entered service at: Cincinnati, Ohio

Born: 2 July 1948, Dayton, Ohio

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Sp4c. LaPointe, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, distinguished himself while serving as a medical aidman during a combat helicopter assault mission. Sp4c. LaPointe's patrol was advancing from the landing zone through an adjoining valley when it suddenly encountered heavy automatic weapons fire from a large enemy force entrenched in well fortified bunker positions. In the initial hail of fire, 2 soldiers in the formation vanguard were seriously wounded. Hearing a call for aid from 1 of the wounded, Sp4c. LaPointe ran forward through heavy fire to assist his fallen comrades. To reach the wounded men, he was forced to crawl directly in view of an enemy bunker. As members of his unit attempted to provide covering fire, he administered first aid to 1 man, shielding the other with his body. He was hit by a burst of fire from the bunker while attending the wounded soldier. In spite of his painful wounds, Sp4c. LaPointe continued his lifesaving duties until he was again wounded and knocked to the ground. Making strenuous efforts, he moved back again into a shielding position to continue administering first aid. An exploding enemy grenade mortally wounded all 3 men. Sp4c. LaPointe's courageous actions at the cost of his life were an inspiration to his comrades. His gallantry and selflessness are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: LA POINTE
First name: JOSEPH GUY JR
Home of Record (official): CLAYTON
State (official): OH
Date of Birth: Friday, July 2, 1948
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Married

--- Military ---

Branch: Army
Rank: SP4
Serial Number: 51803369
Component: Selective Service
Pay grade: E4
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 91B20

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Thursday, November 7, 1968
Date of Casualty: Monday, June 2, 1969
Age at time of loss: 20
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Multiple fragmentation wounds (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Quang Tin
The Wall: Panel 23W - Row 045

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