Joseph P. McCaffery ’27 (A Marine Raider in the Pacific)
"Joseph P. McCaffery ’27 attended Pennsylvania Military College along with his brother, Hugh McCaffery ’24. Because of his size and older brother, he was known as “Little Joe.” While at PMC, he was recognized as a marksman and the quarterback on the football team. “Babe” Buono ‘26, one of McCaffery’s roommates, stated that, “When it came to courage and transferring that courage to others, Joe had no equal.” After graduation, McCaffery was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Reserves, but resigned to accept a commission in the Marine Corps Reserves.
After serving at Pearl Harbor, Shanghai, San Diego, and Quantico, McCaffery joined the Marine Raiders. The Raider battalions were a special mission force that were lightly armed and intensely trained to spearhead larger amphibious landings on beaches (thought to be inaccessible); conduct raids requiring surprise and high speed, and operate as guerrilla units for lengthy periods behind enemy lines. When a battalion lost its commander on Guadalcanal, McCaffery assumed command. After leading his troops though a dense jungle to safety, he was immediately promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and assigned to the 1st Marine Raider Regiment. In the Munda-Rendova campaign, he led a 15-mile trek through a swamp and wiped out a Japanese garrison, which had been caught completely by surprise. Next came the landing at Bougainville.
For this operation, McCaffery took over the Second Raider Battalion. The landing encountered a Japanese crossfire, which caused havoc and disorder within the assault waves. McCaffery landed with the first wave of Raiders. As the Marines cleared the beach, they were stopped by machine-gun fire from a well-concealed bunker. While leading the Marines forward, McCaffery was struck four times in the chest. Despite the best efforts of the corpsman and Battalion surgeon, he died.
( Lt. Col. Joseph P. McCaffery, jumped into a trench, advanced about twenty yards, and was cut down by a Nambu machine gun at the other end of the trench.)
His fellow soldiers described him as a brilliant officer, kind and loyal friend, and courageous hero. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his superior leadership between November 1942 and January 1943. In May 1944, McCaffery was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for “extraordinary heroism while in command of the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces.” In 1945, the USS McCaffery, a navy destroyer, was commissioned in his honor."
Source: Pennsylvania Military College Alumni - In Remembrance https://pennsylvaniamilitarycollege.org/marine-raider-pacific/
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BOUGAINVILLE 01 NOVEMBER 1943, CAPE TOROKINA LANDINGS “While the 1st Battalion, 3d Marines was involved in fighting on the Cape, elements of the 2d Battalion, 3d Marines, and the 2nd Raider Battalion were also engaged. These units likewise had to land in the face of rifle and machine-gun fire and having been landed out of position, had become thoroughly disorganized on reaching the beach. Companies were forced to move laterally on the beach, under fire, in order to reach their proper positions. In an effort to prevent additional confusion or immobilization by Japanese fire, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. McCaffery, Commanding Officer of the 2d Raider Battalion, moved under fire from mortars and automatic weapons, from unit to unit in order to dispose those units to insure maximum effectiveness of the troops. Initiating an attack which ultimately led to reduction of the Japanese positions, McCaffery led his men until he was felled by enemy fire. His valiant and inspiring leadership was largely responsible for reorganization of troops ashore on beaches immediately to the left (north) of Cape Torokina. Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery died aboard the U. S. S. George Clymer as a result of his wounds, but the inspiration which he had given his men, and the high esteem in which he was held, lived on. Source: Bougainville and the Northern Solomons, Historical Section, Headquarters United States Marine Corps (1948 The Battery Press, Nashville TN), pages 31-32.
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MCCAFFERY, JOSEPH P.
November 1, 1943
Full military honors attended the funeral, this morning, for Lt. Col. Joseph P. McCaffery, who was killed at Bougainville Island, Nov. 1, 1943.
McCaffery’s final journey brought him from a simple grave in the tropics, across the Pacific and his homeland, to the family’s snow-covered plot in St. Michael’s Cemetery.
Despite the weather, throngs turned out to pay their last respects to one of Chester’s best-known young men, who went from the athletic field of Pennsylvania Military College to a heroic death in action.
Son of the late Hugh and Marion McCaffery, “Little Joe” entered the Marine Corps two years after his graduation from PMC in 1927. He climbed through the ranks and was a major at Guadalcanal. His inspiring leadership there against the enemy gained him a spot-promotion to Lieutenant Colonel.
The funeral started at 10 a.m. from the George White Funeral Home, Ninth and Madison Streets. From there the cortege wended its way to Chester’s West End, where the name McCaffery is legend.
A Solemn Mass of Requiem was sung at 11 a.m. in the Church of the Resurrection, only a few hundred feet from the old McCaffery home. The Rev. Terence A Brady was the celebrant of the Mass, assisted by Rev. Raymond McHale and Rev. John McKenzie.
Escorting the bier into the church were the pallbearers, Col. Charles Gallagher, Lt. Col. Mervyn Turk, Lt. Col. J. Edward Clyde, Lt. Col. Charles Hummer, Lt. Col. Walter Layer and Dixie Dryden, representing the American Legion.
Among the persons attending the Mass were Mayor Ralph F. Swarts, Vincent Sanbe, director of Parks and Public Property, Police Chief Andrew Desmond, Col. Frank K. Hyatt, president of PMC, and William B. McClenachan, Jr., former district attorney.
After the Mass, the funeral procession moved to St. Michael’s Cemetery, where the other members of the McCaffery family are buried. A color guard and firing squad stood at attention as the funeral entered the cemetery gates.
The firing squad consisted of Legionnaires, PMC cadets and former Marines. Stevenson Post, 190, City Post, 190, American Legion and the Marine Corps League of Delaware County were represented.
After the burial services were read by Rev. Brady and Rev. Francis Kelly, former Marine chaplain, a three-gun salute was fired and PMC cadets sounded taps.
Friends and relatives of “Little Joe” stood quietly. Only a few were protected by the temporary canvas shelter erected over the grave. Most stood bareheaded in the drizzling snow. The flag was at half-staff on the cemetery flagpole.
William J. Brady, an uncle, received the flag that had covered the casket until it was lowered into the grave.
The honorary pallbearers included Thomas Leet, James L. Desmond, Simon Pauxtis, Alfred Buono, Robert L. Granger, Dr. Newton A. Wyman, James A. G. Campbell, Jr., Phillip J. Reilly, Major Gen. William G. Price (Ret.), Joseph J. Skelly, James T. Quinn, Edward A. Daylor, Thomas A. Curran, William J. Crothers, W. Alrich Price, John E. McGovern, Clarence L. Conner, John R. Hanna, Jack S. Calnghan and Michael Prostivich.
Lt. Col. A. A. Vandegrift, Jr., Philadelphia Navy Yard, was the Marine Corps escort.
McCaffery relatives who attended were Mr. and Mrs. William J. Brady and family, of Philadelphia; Mrs. Lucy McCaffery, widow of Joe’s brother, Hugh, Jr.; Mr. and Mrs. Leon McCardle, of Philadelphia; and Mr. and Mrs. William R. Diasey, of Philadelphia.
Others present included Mrs. H. R. Walsh, Mrs. C. R. Greaney and Edward Druding, all of Philadelphia; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Corcoran, of West Chester and James Quinn of Raleigh, N.J.
Hugh McCaffery, Sr., Chester Hotel man, died when Joe and Hugh, Jr. were youngsters. Young Hugh was killed in a California plane crash shortly after Pearl Harbor and Mrs. McCaffery died several days after learning of Joe’s death in November, 1943.
A small boy while at PMC, Joe was regarded as one of the best quarterbacks ever produced there. In addition, he starred in basketball and tennis.
After graduation, he served at various Marine Corps installations in this country and at Pearl Harbor and Shanghai, China.
As a Marine Corps officer he was an exception—a leader who was almost adored by the enlisted men under his command. Source: Delaware County Daily Times (Chester, Pennsylvania), Thursday, 04 March 1948, pages 1 & 2
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Navy Cross awarded to Marine Raider
*McCaffery, Joseph P.
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Raider Battalion, V Amphibious Corps
Date of Action: November 1, 1943
Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Joseph P. McCaffery, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while in command of the Second Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces during the landing attack of the Third Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Cape Torokina Area, Bougainville Island, British Solomon Islands, on November 1, 1943. When the initial assault wave under his command landed out of position and became momentarily confused, Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery, realizing the danger of immobilization by enemy fire, immediately organized his command, fearlessly exposing himself to heavy fire from mortars and automatic weapons while proceeding from unit to unit in order to direct the disposition of his troops for maximum effectiveness. Initiating a daring attack, Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery personally led his men against Japanese positions until he was mortally wounded. His valiant and inspiring leadership was largely responsible for the success of the attack and his exemplary conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
GENERAL ORDERS: Authority - Board of Awards - Serial 6727 (February 16, 1944)
Born: at Chester, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Chester, Pennsylvania
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Silver Star
General Orders: Commander South Pacific: Serial 3382 (September 2, 1944)
Action Date: December 1942 & January 1943
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Company: Commanding Officer
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 8th Marines (Reinforced)
Division: 2d Marine Division
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 Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. McCaffery, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Eighth Marines, Reinforced, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in December 1942, and January 1943.
By his expert tactical ability and sound judgment in directing the active patrolling and limited attack operations during the holding phase of the activities on the island in December, Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery enabled his men to capture the strategic high ground on the left flank of our forces and to reduce the enemy's strength materially.
Courageous and indomitable in the face of fierce hostile resistance, he personally led his battalion in the final enveloping attack to the west which resulted in the capture of strong Japanese positions, large quantities of weapons and ammunition and the destruction of more than six hundred enemy troops.
Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery's inspiring leadership and valiant devotion to duty under extremely difficult conditions contributed substantially to the success of our forces in driving the Japanese from this important area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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“USS McCaffery (DD/DDE-860) was a Gearing-class destroyer, named for Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. McCaffery, USMC, (1906–1943) killed in action at Bougainville on 1 November 1943 and posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.” Source: Wikipedia
"Joseph P. McCaffery ’27 attended Pennsylvania Military College along with his brother, Hugh McCaffery ’24. Because of his size and older brother, he was known as “Little Joe.” While at PMC, he was recognized as a marksman and the quarterback on the football team. “Babe” Buono ‘26, one of McCaffery’s roommates, stated that, “When it came to courage and transferring that courage to others, Joe had no equal.” After graduation, McCaffery was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Reserves, but resigned to accept a commission in the Marine Corps Reserves.
After serving at Pearl Harbor, Shanghai, San Diego, and Quantico, McCaffery joined the Marine Raiders. The Raider battalions were a special mission force that were lightly armed and intensely trained to spearhead larger amphibious landings on beaches (thought to be inaccessible); conduct raids requiring surprise and high speed, and operate as guerrilla units for lengthy periods behind enemy lines. When a battalion lost its commander on Guadalcanal, McCaffery assumed command. After leading his troops though a dense jungle to safety, he was immediately promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and assigned to the 1st Marine Raider Regiment. In the Munda-Rendova campaign, he led a 15-mile trek through a swamp and wiped out a Japanese garrison, which had been caught completely by surprise. Next came the landing at Bougainville.
For this operation, McCaffery took over the Second Raider Battalion. The landing encountered a Japanese crossfire, which caused havoc and disorder within the assault waves. McCaffery landed with the first wave of Raiders. As the Marines cleared the beach, they were stopped by machine-gun fire from a well-concealed bunker. While leading the Marines forward, McCaffery was struck four times in the chest. Despite the best efforts of the corpsman and Battalion surgeon, he died.
( Lt. Col. Joseph P. McCaffery, jumped into a trench, advanced about twenty yards, and was cut down by a Nambu machine gun at the other end of the trench.)
His fellow soldiers described him as a brilliant officer, kind and loyal friend, and courageous hero. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his superior leadership between November 1942 and January 1943. In May 1944, McCaffery was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for “extraordinary heroism while in command of the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces.” In 1945, the USS McCaffery, a navy destroyer, was commissioned in his honor."
Source: Pennsylvania Military College Alumni - In Remembrance https://pennsylvaniamilitarycollege.org/marine-raider-pacific/
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BOUGAINVILLE 01 NOVEMBER 1943, CAPE TOROKINA LANDINGS “While the 1st Battalion, 3d Marines was involved in fighting on the Cape, elements of the 2d Battalion, 3d Marines, and the 2nd Raider Battalion were also engaged. These units likewise had to land in the face of rifle and machine-gun fire and having been landed out of position, had become thoroughly disorganized on reaching the beach. Companies were forced to move laterally on the beach, under fire, in order to reach their proper positions. In an effort to prevent additional confusion or immobilization by Japanese fire, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. McCaffery, Commanding Officer of the 2d Raider Battalion, moved under fire from mortars and automatic weapons, from unit to unit in order to dispose those units to insure maximum effectiveness of the troops. Initiating an attack which ultimately led to reduction of the Japanese positions, McCaffery led his men until he was felled by enemy fire. His valiant and inspiring leadership was largely responsible for reorganization of troops ashore on beaches immediately to the left (north) of Cape Torokina. Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery died aboard the U. S. S. George Clymer as a result of his wounds, but the inspiration which he had given his men, and the high esteem in which he was held, lived on. Source: Bougainville and the Northern Solomons, Historical Section, Headquarters United States Marine Corps (1948 The Battery Press, Nashville TN), pages 31-32.
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MCCAFFERY, JOSEPH P.
November 1, 1943
Full military honors attended the funeral, this morning, for Lt. Col. Joseph P. McCaffery, who was killed at Bougainville Island, Nov. 1, 1943.
McCaffery’s final journey brought him from a simple grave in the tropics, across the Pacific and his homeland, to the family’s snow-covered plot in St. Michael’s Cemetery.
Despite the weather, throngs turned out to pay their last respects to one of Chester’s best-known young men, who went from the athletic field of Pennsylvania Military College to a heroic death in action.
Son of the late Hugh and Marion McCaffery, “Little Joe” entered the Marine Corps two years after his graduation from PMC in 1927. He climbed through the ranks and was a major at Guadalcanal. His inspiring leadership there against the enemy gained him a spot-promotion to Lieutenant Colonel.
The funeral started at 10 a.m. from the George White Funeral Home, Ninth and Madison Streets. From there the cortege wended its way to Chester’s West End, where the name McCaffery is legend.
A Solemn Mass of Requiem was sung at 11 a.m. in the Church of the Resurrection, only a few hundred feet from the old McCaffery home. The Rev. Terence A Brady was the celebrant of the Mass, assisted by Rev. Raymond McHale and Rev. John McKenzie.
Escorting the bier into the church were the pallbearers, Col. Charles Gallagher, Lt. Col. Mervyn Turk, Lt. Col. J. Edward Clyde, Lt. Col. Charles Hummer, Lt. Col. Walter Layer and Dixie Dryden, representing the American Legion.
Among the persons attending the Mass were Mayor Ralph F. Swarts, Vincent Sanbe, director of Parks and Public Property, Police Chief Andrew Desmond, Col. Frank K. Hyatt, president of PMC, and William B. McClenachan, Jr., former district attorney.
After the Mass, the funeral procession moved to St. Michael’s Cemetery, where the other members of the McCaffery family are buried. A color guard and firing squad stood at attention as the funeral entered the cemetery gates.
The firing squad consisted of Legionnaires, PMC cadets and former Marines. Stevenson Post, 190, City Post, 190, American Legion and the Marine Corps League of Delaware County were represented.
After the burial services were read by Rev. Brady and Rev. Francis Kelly, former Marine chaplain, a three-gun salute was fired and PMC cadets sounded taps.
Friends and relatives of “Little Joe” stood quietly. Only a few were protected by the temporary canvas shelter erected over the grave. Most stood bareheaded in the drizzling snow. The flag was at half-staff on the cemetery flagpole.
William J. Brady, an uncle, received the flag that had covered the casket until it was lowered into the grave.
The honorary pallbearers included Thomas Leet, James L. Desmond, Simon Pauxtis, Alfred Buono, Robert L. Granger, Dr. Newton A. Wyman, James A. G. Campbell, Jr., Phillip J. Reilly, Major Gen. William G. Price (Ret.), Joseph J. Skelly, James T. Quinn, Edward A. Daylor, Thomas A. Curran, William J. Crothers, W. Alrich Price, John E. McGovern, Clarence L. Conner, John R. Hanna, Jack S. Calnghan and Michael Prostivich.
Lt. Col. A. A. Vandegrift, Jr., Philadelphia Navy Yard, was the Marine Corps escort.
McCaffery relatives who attended were Mr. and Mrs. William J. Brady and family, of Philadelphia; Mrs. Lucy McCaffery, widow of Joe’s brother, Hugh, Jr.; Mr. and Mrs. Leon McCardle, of Philadelphia; and Mr. and Mrs. William R. Diasey, of Philadelphia.
Others present included Mrs. H. R. Walsh, Mrs. C. R. Greaney and Edward Druding, all of Philadelphia; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Corcoran, of West Chester and James Quinn of Raleigh, N.J.
Hugh McCaffery, Sr., Chester Hotel man, died when Joe and Hugh, Jr. were youngsters. Young Hugh was killed in a California plane crash shortly after Pearl Harbor and Mrs. McCaffery died several days after learning of Joe’s death in November, 1943.
A small boy while at PMC, Joe was regarded as one of the best quarterbacks ever produced there. In addition, he starred in basketball and tennis.
After graduation, he served at various Marine Corps installations in this country and at Pearl Harbor and Shanghai, China.
As a Marine Corps officer he was an exception—a leader who was almost adored by the enlisted men under his command. Source: Delaware County Daily Times (Chester, Pennsylvania), Thursday, 04 March 1948, pages 1 & 2
****************************************************************************************
Navy Cross awarded to Marine Raider
*McCaffery, Joseph P.
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Raider Battalion, V Amphibious Corps
Date of Action: November 1, 1943
Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Joseph P. McCaffery, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while in command of the Second Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces during the landing attack of the Third Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Cape Torokina Area, Bougainville Island, British Solomon Islands, on November 1, 1943. When the initial assault wave under his command landed out of position and became momentarily confused, Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery, realizing the danger of immobilization by enemy fire, immediately organized his command, fearlessly exposing himself to heavy fire from mortars and automatic weapons while proceeding from unit to unit in order to direct the disposition of his troops for maximum effectiveness. Initiating a daring attack, Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery personally led his men against Japanese positions until he was mortally wounded. His valiant and inspiring leadership was largely responsible for the success of the attack and his exemplary conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
GENERAL ORDERS: Authority - Board of Awards - Serial 6727 (February 16, 1944)
Born: at Chester, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Chester, Pennsylvania
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Silver Star
General Orders: Commander South Pacific: Serial 3382 (September 2, 1944)
Action Date: December 1942 & January 1943
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Company: Commanding Officer
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 8th Marines (Reinforced)
Division: 2d Marine Division
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 Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. McCaffery, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Eighth Marines, Reinforced, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in December 1942, and January 1943.
By his expert tactical ability and sound judgment in directing the active patrolling and limited attack operations during the holding phase of the activities on the island in December, Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery enabled his men to capture the strategic high ground on the left flank of our forces and to reduce the enemy's strength materially.
Courageous and indomitable in the face of fierce hostile resistance, he personally led his battalion in the final enveloping attack to the west which resulted in the capture of strong Japanese positions, large quantities of weapons and ammunition and the destruction of more than six hundred enemy troops.
Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery's inspiring leadership and valiant devotion to duty under extremely difficult conditions contributed substantially to the success of our forces in driving the Japanese from this important area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
****************************************************************************************
“USS McCaffery (DD/DDE-860) was a Gearing-class destroyer, named for Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. McCaffery, USMC, (1906–1943) killed in action at Bougainville on 1 November 1943 and posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.” Source: Wikipedia
Joseph P. McCaffery ’27 (A Marine Raider in the Pacific)
"Joseph P. McCaffery ’27 attended Pennsylvania Military College along with his brother, Hugh McCaffery ’24. Because of his size and older brother, he was known as “Little Joe.” While at PMC, he was recognized as a marksman and the quarterback on the football team. “Babe” Buono ‘26, one of McCaffery’s roommates, stated that, “When it came to courage and transferring that courage to others, Joe had no equal.” After graduation, McCaffery was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Reserves, but resigned to accept a commission in the Marine Corps Reserves.
After serving at Pearl Harbor, Shanghai, San Diego, and Quantico, McCaffery joined the Marine Raiders. The Raider battalions were a special mission force that were lightly armed and intensely trained to spearhead larger amphibious landings on beaches (thought to be inaccessible); conduct raids requiring surprise and high speed, and operate as guerrilla units for lengthy periods behind enemy lines. When a battalion lost its commander on Guadalcanal, McCaffery assumed command. After leading his troops though a dense jungle to safety, he was immediately promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and assigned to the 1st Marine Raider Regiment. In the Munda-Rendova campaign, he led a 15-mile trek through a swamp and wiped out a Japanese garrison, which had been caught completely by surprise. Next came the landing at Bougainville.
For this operation, McCaffery took over the Second Raider Battalion. The landing encountered a Japanese crossfire, which caused havoc and disorder within the assault waves. McCaffery landed with the first wave of Raiders. As the Marines cleared the beach, they were stopped by machine-gun fire from a well-concealed bunker. While leading the Marines forward, McCaffery was struck four times in the chest. Despite the best efforts of the corpsman and Battalion surgeon, he died.
( Lt. Col. Joseph P. McCaffery, jumped into a trench, advanced about twenty yards, and was cut down by a Nambu machine gun at the other end of the trench.)
His fellow soldiers described him as a brilliant officer, kind and loyal friend, and courageous hero. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his superior leadership between November 1942 and January 1943. In May 1944, McCaffery was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for “extraordinary heroism while in command of the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces.” In 1945, the USS McCaffery, a navy destroyer, was commissioned in his honor."
Source: Pennsylvania Military College Alumni - In Remembrance https://pennsylvaniamilitarycollege.org/marine-raider-pacific/
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BOUGAINVILLE 01 NOVEMBER 1943, CAPE TOROKINA LANDINGS “While the 1st Battalion, 3d Marines was involved in fighting on the Cape, elements of the 2d Battalion, 3d Marines, and the 2nd Raider Battalion were also engaged. These units likewise had to land in the face of rifle and machine-gun fire and having been landed out of position, had become thoroughly disorganized on reaching the beach. Companies were forced to move laterally on the beach, under fire, in order to reach their proper positions. In an effort to prevent additional confusion or immobilization by Japanese fire, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. McCaffery, Commanding Officer of the 2d Raider Battalion, moved under fire from mortars and automatic weapons, from unit to unit in order to dispose those units to insure maximum effectiveness of the troops. Initiating an attack which ultimately led to reduction of the Japanese positions, McCaffery led his men until he was felled by enemy fire. His valiant and inspiring leadership was largely responsible for reorganization of troops ashore on beaches immediately to the left (north) of Cape Torokina. Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery died aboard the U. S. S. George Clymer as a result of his wounds, but the inspiration which he had given his men, and the high esteem in which he was held, lived on. Source: Bougainville and the Northern Solomons, Historical Section, Headquarters United States Marine Corps (1948 The Battery Press, Nashville TN), pages 31-32.
****************************************************************************************
MCCAFFERY, JOSEPH P.
November 1, 1943
Full military honors attended the funeral, this morning, for Lt. Col. Joseph P. McCaffery, who was killed at Bougainville Island, Nov. 1, 1943.
McCaffery’s final journey brought him from a simple grave in the tropics, across the Pacific and his homeland, to the family’s snow-covered plot in St. Michael’s Cemetery.
Despite the weather, throngs turned out to pay their last respects to one of Chester’s best-known young men, who went from the athletic field of Pennsylvania Military College to a heroic death in action.
Son of the late Hugh and Marion McCaffery, “Little Joe” entered the Marine Corps two years after his graduation from PMC in 1927. He climbed through the ranks and was a major at Guadalcanal. His inspiring leadership there against the enemy gained him a spot-promotion to Lieutenant Colonel.
The funeral started at 10 a.m. from the George White Funeral Home, Ninth and Madison Streets. From there the cortege wended its way to Chester’s West End, where the name McCaffery is legend.
A Solemn Mass of Requiem was sung at 11 a.m. in the Church of the Resurrection, only a few hundred feet from the old McCaffery home. The Rev. Terence A Brady was the celebrant of the Mass, assisted by Rev. Raymond McHale and Rev. John McKenzie.
Escorting the bier into the church were the pallbearers, Col. Charles Gallagher, Lt. Col. Mervyn Turk, Lt. Col. J. Edward Clyde, Lt. Col. Charles Hummer, Lt. Col. Walter Layer and Dixie Dryden, representing the American Legion.
Among the persons attending the Mass were Mayor Ralph F. Swarts, Vincent Sanbe, director of Parks and Public Property, Police Chief Andrew Desmond, Col. Frank K. Hyatt, president of PMC, and William B. McClenachan, Jr., former district attorney.
After the Mass, the funeral procession moved to St. Michael’s Cemetery, where the other members of the McCaffery family are buried. A color guard and firing squad stood at attention as the funeral entered the cemetery gates.
The firing squad consisted of Legionnaires, PMC cadets and former Marines. Stevenson Post, 190, City Post, 190, American Legion and the Marine Corps League of Delaware County were represented.
After the burial services were read by Rev. Brady and Rev. Francis Kelly, former Marine chaplain, a three-gun salute was fired and PMC cadets sounded taps.
Friends and relatives of “Little Joe” stood quietly. Only a few were protected by the temporary canvas shelter erected over the grave. Most stood bareheaded in the drizzling snow. The flag was at half-staff on the cemetery flagpole.
William J. Brady, an uncle, received the flag that had covered the casket until it was lowered into the grave.
The honorary pallbearers included Thomas Leet, James L. Desmond, Simon Pauxtis, Alfred Buono, Robert L. Granger, Dr. Newton A. Wyman, James A. G. Campbell, Jr., Phillip J. Reilly, Major Gen. William G. Price (Ret.), Joseph J. Skelly, James T. Quinn, Edward A. Daylor, Thomas A. Curran, William J. Crothers, W. Alrich Price, John E. McGovern, Clarence L. Conner, John R. Hanna, Jack S. Calnghan and Michael Prostivich.
Lt. Col. A. A. Vandegrift, Jr., Philadelphia Navy Yard, was the Marine Corps escort.
McCaffery relatives who attended were Mr. and Mrs. William J. Brady and family, of Philadelphia; Mrs. Lucy McCaffery, widow of Joe’s brother, Hugh, Jr.; Mr. and Mrs. Leon McCardle, of Philadelphia; and Mr. and Mrs. William R. Diasey, of Philadelphia.
Others present included Mrs. H. R. Walsh, Mrs. C. R. Greaney and Edward Druding, all of Philadelphia; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Corcoran, of West Chester and James Quinn of Raleigh, N.J.
Hugh McCaffery, Sr., Chester Hotel man, died when Joe and Hugh, Jr. were youngsters. Young Hugh was killed in a California plane crash shortly after Pearl Harbor and Mrs. McCaffery died several days after learning of Joe’s death in November, 1943.
A small boy while at PMC, Joe was regarded as one of the best quarterbacks ever produced there. In addition, he starred in basketball and tennis.
After graduation, he served at various Marine Corps installations in this country and at Pearl Harbor and Shanghai, China.
As a Marine Corps officer he was an exception—a leader who was almost adored by the enlisted men under his command. Source: Delaware County Daily Times (Chester, Pennsylvania), Thursday, 04 March 1948, pages 1 & 2
****************************************************************************************
Navy Cross awarded to Marine Raider
*McCaffery, Joseph P.
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Raider Battalion, V Amphibious Corps
Date of Action: November 1, 1943
Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Joseph P. McCaffery, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while in command of the Second Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces during the landing attack of the Third Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Cape Torokina Area, Bougainville Island, British Solomon Islands, on November 1, 1943. When the initial assault wave under his command landed out of position and became momentarily confused, Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery, realizing the danger of immobilization by enemy fire, immediately organized his command, fearlessly exposing himself to heavy fire from mortars and automatic weapons while proceeding from unit to unit in order to direct the disposition of his troops for maximum effectiveness. Initiating a daring attack, Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery personally led his men against Japanese positions until he was mortally wounded. His valiant and inspiring leadership was largely responsible for the success of the attack and his exemplary conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
GENERAL ORDERS: Authority - Board of Awards - Serial 6727 (February 16, 1944)
Born: at Chester, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Chester, Pennsylvania
****************************************************************************************
Silver Star
General Orders: Commander South Pacific: Serial 3382 (September 2, 1944)
Action Date: December 1942 & January 1943
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Company: Commanding Officer
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 8th Marines (Reinforced)
Division: 2d Marine Division
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 Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. McCaffery, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Eighth Marines, Reinforced, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in December 1942, and January 1943.
By his expert tactical ability and sound judgment in directing the active patrolling and limited attack operations during the holding phase of the activities on the island in December, Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery enabled his men to capture the strategic high ground on the left flank of our forces and to reduce the enemy's strength materially.
Courageous and indomitable in the face of fierce hostile resistance, he personally led his battalion in the final enveloping attack to the west which resulted in the capture of strong Japanese positions, large quantities of weapons and ammunition and the destruction of more than six hundred enemy troops.
Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery's inspiring leadership and valiant devotion to duty under extremely difficult conditions contributed substantially to the success of our forces in driving the Japanese from this important area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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“USS McCaffery (DD/DDE-860) was a Gearing-class destroyer, named for Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. McCaffery, USMC, (1906–1943) killed in action at Bougainville on 1 November 1943 and posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.” Source: Wikipedia
"Joseph P. McCaffery ’27 attended Pennsylvania Military College along with his brother, Hugh McCaffery ’24. Because of his size and older brother, he was known as “Little Joe.” While at PMC, he was recognized as a marksman and the quarterback on the football team. “Babe” Buono ‘26, one of McCaffery’s roommates, stated that, “When it came to courage and transferring that courage to others, Joe had no equal.” After graduation, McCaffery was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Reserves, but resigned to accept a commission in the Marine Corps Reserves.
After serving at Pearl Harbor, Shanghai, San Diego, and Quantico, McCaffery joined the Marine Raiders. The Raider battalions were a special mission force that were lightly armed and intensely trained to spearhead larger amphibious landings on beaches (thought to be inaccessible); conduct raids requiring surprise and high speed, and operate as guerrilla units for lengthy periods behind enemy lines. When a battalion lost its commander on Guadalcanal, McCaffery assumed command. After leading his troops though a dense jungle to safety, he was immediately promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and assigned to the 1st Marine Raider Regiment. In the Munda-Rendova campaign, he led a 15-mile trek through a swamp and wiped out a Japanese garrison, which had been caught completely by surprise. Next came the landing at Bougainville.
For this operation, McCaffery took over the Second Raider Battalion. The landing encountered a Japanese crossfire, which caused havoc and disorder within the assault waves. McCaffery landed with the first wave of Raiders. As the Marines cleared the beach, they were stopped by machine-gun fire from a well-concealed bunker. While leading the Marines forward, McCaffery was struck four times in the chest. Despite the best efforts of the corpsman and Battalion surgeon, he died.
( Lt. Col. Joseph P. McCaffery, jumped into a trench, advanced about twenty yards, and was cut down by a Nambu machine gun at the other end of the trench.)
His fellow soldiers described him as a brilliant officer, kind and loyal friend, and courageous hero. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his superior leadership between November 1942 and January 1943. In May 1944, McCaffery was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for “extraordinary heroism while in command of the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces.” In 1945, the USS McCaffery, a navy destroyer, was commissioned in his honor."
Source: Pennsylvania Military College Alumni - In Remembrance https://pennsylvaniamilitarycollege.org/marine-raider-pacific/
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BOUGAINVILLE 01 NOVEMBER 1943, CAPE TOROKINA LANDINGS “While the 1st Battalion, 3d Marines was involved in fighting on the Cape, elements of the 2d Battalion, 3d Marines, and the 2nd Raider Battalion were also engaged. These units likewise had to land in the face of rifle and machine-gun fire and having been landed out of position, had become thoroughly disorganized on reaching the beach. Companies were forced to move laterally on the beach, under fire, in order to reach their proper positions. In an effort to prevent additional confusion or immobilization by Japanese fire, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. McCaffery, Commanding Officer of the 2d Raider Battalion, moved under fire from mortars and automatic weapons, from unit to unit in order to dispose those units to insure maximum effectiveness of the troops. Initiating an attack which ultimately led to reduction of the Japanese positions, McCaffery led his men until he was felled by enemy fire. His valiant and inspiring leadership was largely responsible for reorganization of troops ashore on beaches immediately to the left (north) of Cape Torokina. Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery died aboard the U. S. S. George Clymer as a result of his wounds, but the inspiration which he had given his men, and the high esteem in which he was held, lived on. Source: Bougainville and the Northern Solomons, Historical Section, Headquarters United States Marine Corps (1948 The Battery Press, Nashville TN), pages 31-32.
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MCCAFFERY, JOSEPH P.
November 1, 1943
Full military honors attended the funeral, this morning, for Lt. Col. Joseph P. McCaffery, who was killed at Bougainville Island, Nov. 1, 1943.
McCaffery’s final journey brought him from a simple grave in the tropics, across the Pacific and his homeland, to the family’s snow-covered plot in St. Michael’s Cemetery.
Despite the weather, throngs turned out to pay their last respects to one of Chester’s best-known young men, who went from the athletic field of Pennsylvania Military College to a heroic death in action.
Son of the late Hugh and Marion McCaffery, “Little Joe” entered the Marine Corps two years after his graduation from PMC in 1927. He climbed through the ranks and was a major at Guadalcanal. His inspiring leadership there against the enemy gained him a spot-promotion to Lieutenant Colonel.
The funeral started at 10 a.m. from the George White Funeral Home, Ninth and Madison Streets. From there the cortege wended its way to Chester’s West End, where the name McCaffery is legend.
A Solemn Mass of Requiem was sung at 11 a.m. in the Church of the Resurrection, only a few hundred feet from the old McCaffery home. The Rev. Terence A Brady was the celebrant of the Mass, assisted by Rev. Raymond McHale and Rev. John McKenzie.
Escorting the bier into the church were the pallbearers, Col. Charles Gallagher, Lt. Col. Mervyn Turk, Lt. Col. J. Edward Clyde, Lt. Col. Charles Hummer, Lt. Col. Walter Layer and Dixie Dryden, representing the American Legion.
Among the persons attending the Mass were Mayor Ralph F. Swarts, Vincent Sanbe, director of Parks and Public Property, Police Chief Andrew Desmond, Col. Frank K. Hyatt, president of PMC, and William B. McClenachan, Jr., former district attorney.
After the Mass, the funeral procession moved to St. Michael’s Cemetery, where the other members of the McCaffery family are buried. A color guard and firing squad stood at attention as the funeral entered the cemetery gates.
The firing squad consisted of Legionnaires, PMC cadets and former Marines. Stevenson Post, 190, City Post, 190, American Legion and the Marine Corps League of Delaware County were represented.
After the burial services were read by Rev. Brady and Rev. Francis Kelly, former Marine chaplain, a three-gun salute was fired and PMC cadets sounded taps.
Friends and relatives of “Little Joe” stood quietly. Only a few were protected by the temporary canvas shelter erected over the grave. Most stood bareheaded in the drizzling snow. The flag was at half-staff on the cemetery flagpole.
William J. Brady, an uncle, received the flag that had covered the casket until it was lowered into the grave.
The honorary pallbearers included Thomas Leet, James L. Desmond, Simon Pauxtis, Alfred Buono, Robert L. Granger, Dr. Newton A. Wyman, James A. G. Campbell, Jr., Phillip J. Reilly, Major Gen. William G. Price (Ret.), Joseph J. Skelly, James T. Quinn, Edward A. Daylor, Thomas A. Curran, William J. Crothers, W. Alrich Price, John E. McGovern, Clarence L. Conner, John R. Hanna, Jack S. Calnghan and Michael Prostivich.
Lt. Col. A. A. Vandegrift, Jr., Philadelphia Navy Yard, was the Marine Corps escort.
McCaffery relatives who attended were Mr. and Mrs. William J. Brady and family, of Philadelphia; Mrs. Lucy McCaffery, widow of Joe’s brother, Hugh, Jr.; Mr. and Mrs. Leon McCardle, of Philadelphia; and Mr. and Mrs. William R. Diasey, of Philadelphia.
Others present included Mrs. H. R. Walsh, Mrs. C. R. Greaney and Edward Druding, all of Philadelphia; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Corcoran, of West Chester and James Quinn of Raleigh, N.J.
Hugh McCaffery, Sr., Chester Hotel man, died when Joe and Hugh, Jr. were youngsters. Young Hugh was killed in a California plane crash shortly after Pearl Harbor and Mrs. McCaffery died several days after learning of Joe’s death in November, 1943.
A small boy while at PMC, Joe was regarded as one of the best quarterbacks ever produced there. In addition, he starred in basketball and tennis.
After graduation, he served at various Marine Corps installations in this country and at Pearl Harbor and Shanghai, China.
As a Marine Corps officer he was an exception—a leader who was almost adored by the enlisted men under his command. Source: Delaware County Daily Times (Chester, Pennsylvania), Thursday, 04 March 1948, pages 1 & 2
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Navy Cross awarded to Marine Raider
*McCaffery, Joseph P.
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Marine Raider Battalion, V Amphibious Corps
Date of Action: November 1, 1943
Citation: The Navy Cross is presented to Joseph P. McCaffery, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while in command of the Second Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces during the landing attack of the Third Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Cape Torokina Area, Bougainville Island, British Solomon Islands, on November 1, 1943. When the initial assault wave under his command landed out of position and became momentarily confused, Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery, realizing the danger of immobilization by enemy fire, immediately organized his command, fearlessly exposing himself to heavy fire from mortars and automatic weapons while proceeding from unit to unit in order to direct the disposition of his troops for maximum effectiveness. Initiating a daring attack, Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery personally led his men against Japanese positions until he was mortally wounded. His valiant and inspiring leadership was largely responsible for the success of the attack and his exemplary conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
GENERAL ORDERS: Authority - Board of Awards - Serial 6727 (February 16, 1944)
Born: at Chester, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Chester, Pennsylvania
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Silver Star
General Orders: Commander South Pacific: Serial 3382 (September 2, 1944)
Action Date: December 1942 & January 1943
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Company: Commanding Officer
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 8th Marines (Reinforced)
Division: 2d Marine Division
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 Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. McCaffery, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Eighth Marines, Reinforced, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in December 1942, and January 1943.
By his expert tactical ability and sound judgment in directing the active patrolling and limited attack operations during the holding phase of the activities on the island in December, Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery enabled his men to capture the strategic high ground on the left flank of our forces and to reduce the enemy's strength materially.
Courageous and indomitable in the face of fierce hostile resistance, he personally led his battalion in the final enveloping attack to the west which resulted in the capture of strong Japanese positions, large quantities of weapons and ammunition and the destruction of more than six hundred enemy troops.
Lieutenant Colonel McCaffery's inspiring leadership and valiant devotion to duty under extremely difficult conditions contributed substantially to the success of our forces in driving the Japanese from this important area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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“USS McCaffery (DD/DDE-860) was a Gearing-class destroyer, named for Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. McCaffery, USMC, (1906–1943) killed in action at Bougainville on 1 November 1943 and posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.” Source: Wikipedia
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