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 Corporal Joseph B. Amos (MCSN: 912443), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Acting Squad Leader, serving with a platoon of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 7 March 1945. With both his squad leader and assistant squad leader mortally wounded, Corporal Amos courageously assumed command of his squad and, fearlessly exposing himself to heavy enemy machine gun and rifle fire, advanced into Japanese territory, engaged the enemy in ferocious hand-to-hand fighting and personally accounted for ten of the enemy. Later that night, despite fierce hostile fire, he courageously led the right flank squad of his platoon up on line and succeeded in guiding his men into a position which was in a vital sector of the platoon's line of defense before he was fatally struck down by enemy fire. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

General Orders: Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 34919 (November 21, 1945)

Action Date: March 8, 1945

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Corporal

Company: Company A

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 26th Marines

Division: 5th Marine Division

Amos, Joseph Burton, Cpl