Joseph, who resided in Frederica, Delaware, served as a 1st Lieutenant with Company G, 401st Glider Infantry, 101st Airbourne Division, U.S. Army during World War II.

Joseph was "Killed In Action" in Holland while leading a machine gun unit. The enemy threw a grenade into the group of 5 men that Lt. Myers was leading. Without regard for his own life he threw himself on the grenade to protect his men. The explosion mortally wounded Lt. Myers, however, all of his men survived.

He had served in the Army for two years and nine months at the time of his death.

Joseph was decorated with the "Distinquished Service Cross, "Bronze Star", and Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster.

Service # O1301865

( Bio by: Russ Pickett )

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

(Article from Militarytimes.com)

"Awarded for actions during the World War II"

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph F. Myers (ASN: O-1301865), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 401st Glider Infantry Regiment, (attached to Company L, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment), 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 30 September 1944, in the vicinity of Groesbeek, Holland.

While his company was attacking through the Kiekberg Woods about two and one half miles south of Groesbeek, Holland, Lieutenant Myers personally led his machine gun section which had the assignment of giving supporting fire to the advance of the 1st and 2d rifle platoons. An enemy pocket of resistance consisting of five men armed with a machine gun, machine pistols, and grenades surprised Lieutenant Myers and five men near him by tossing a grenade at the group. The first grenade missed, a second one was tossed and landed in the midst of Lieutenant Myers' group.

Upon seeing the grenade Lieutenant Myers yelled, "Grenade, duck!" Realizing that the entire group might be killed or wounded, he without hesitancy threw himself upon the grenade in an attempt to protect his men. The exploding grenade mortally wounded Lieutenant Myers, but his men escaped injury.

This demonstration of willingness to make the supreme sacrifice that others might live to fight for a just cause exemplifies the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflects great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, XVIII Airborne Corps, General Orders No. 8 (November 11, 1944)

Action Date: 30-Sep-44

Service: Army

Rank: First Lieutenant

Company: Company G
Regiment: 401st Glider Infantry Regiment, Attached to Company L, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment

Division: 82d Airborne Division

(Article found by Robert Fowler)