Joseph A. Farinholt
Encyclopedia
Joseph A. Farinholt is thought to be the only enlisted man in the history of the U.S. military to receive four awards of the Silver Star
, the United States third highest decoration for valor in combat.
, and in 1938, he lied about his age to enlist in the Maryland National Guard's B Company, 5th Regiment of Infantry (The Dandy Fifth). Farinholt was mobilized for service in World War II with his unit in January 1941, which was reorganized as the 175th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division
. Fairnholt, a corporal, was assigned to the anti-tank platoon of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, in which he initially served as an assistant gun-crew chief manning a 57 mm towed anti-tank gun, also known as the British "6 Pounder" (Ordnance QF 6 pounder
).
Baltimore News-Post correspondent, Louis Azreal, who was covering the war for the paper heard of Farinholt’s exploits in the Normandy campaign and went looking for the story. On August 19, 1944, a delayed article with the headline “Baltimorean Wins Tank Raid Medal” appeared on the front page of the News-Post. All of Baltimore now knew of the man whose commander called him “Lightning.”
Farinholt's fourth and final Silver Star was earned on November 26, 1944 in Bourheim, Germany. The 175th Infantry had taken Bourheim three days earlier but since had to fight off no fewer than six attempts by the Germans to retake the town. In the Germans' final attempt on November 26, they attacked with a heavy force that included Tiger I
tanks from schwere Panzer Abteilung (Funklenk) 301 (translated as the 301st Heavy Tank Battalion [radio control]).
After one of Farinholt's antitank gun crews had been knocked out of action by a Tiger tank leading an armored column into Bourheim, he personally manned the gun, firing and neutralizing the tank by hitting its left rear road wheel and knocking its track off. In doing so, he temporarily brought to a halt the enemy’s armored and infantry advance but was seriously wounded when the tank's machine gunner returned fire peppering Farinholt and his gun's armored plate with bullets. Farinholt suffered 26 bullet and shrapnel wounds to his body, to include having the tibia bone in his lower right leg completely shattered. Despite his severe injuries, and while still under fire, he managed to crawl to a nearby jeep in which he drove to the 3rd Battalion command post to warn leaders of the coming attack. Farinholt's report led to an airstrike by P-47 Thunderbolt
s which decimated the attacking Germans.
In 2005, The National Guard Bureau commissioned a painting of Farinholt's November 1944 action in Bourheim, Germany for its Heritage Series, which depicts important battlefield contributions in American military history made by the National Guard.
, Silver Star Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star
, Purple Heart
Good Conduct Medal
, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
(with Arrowhead and 4 Battle Stars), American Defense Service Medal
, American Campaign Medal
, World War II Victory Medal
and Belgian Croix de Guerre
for valor.
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
, the United States third highest decoration for valor in combat.
Service
Farinholt, was born in Catonsville, MarylandMaryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
, and in 1938, he lied about his age to enlist in the Maryland National Guard's B Company, 5th Regiment of Infantry (The Dandy Fifth). Farinholt was mobilized for service in World War II with his unit in January 1941, which was reorganized as the 175th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division
U.S. 29th Infantry Division
The 29th Infantry Division is an infantry division of the United States Army based in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. It is a formation of the United States Army National Guard and contains units from Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina....
. Fairnholt, a corporal, was assigned to the anti-tank platoon of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, in which he initially served as an assistant gun-crew chief manning a 57 mm towed anti-tank gun, also known as the British "6 Pounder" (Ordnance QF 6 pounder
Ordnance QF 6 pounder
The Ordnance Quick-Firing 6-pounder 7 cwt, or just 6 pounder, was a British 57 mm gun, their primary anti-tank gun during the middle of World War II, as well as the main armament for a number of armoured fighting vehicles...
).
First Silver Star
Farinholt earned his first Silver Star on July 13, 1944 near Saint Lô in Normandy, France when he completely exposed himself to enemy fire and with all disregard for his own safety, neutralized an enemy mortar and anti-armor weapon so that his battalion’s attack could advance. For this action Farinholt was also promoted to staff sergeant.Second Silver Star
His second Silver Star would come a mere five days later on July 18, 1944, when in three of four days he led multiple and daring raids behind enemy lines to recapture weapons and equipment lost to the enemy.Baltimore News-Post correspondent, Louis Azreal, who was covering the war for the paper heard of Farinholt’s exploits in the Normandy campaign and went looking for the story. On August 19, 1944, a delayed article with the headline “Baltimorean Wins Tank Raid Medal” appeared on the front page of the News-Post. All of Baltimore now knew of the man whose commander called him “Lightning.”
Third Silver Star
Promoted to Technical Sergeant, and now the senior non-commissioned officer in his platoon, Farinholt would earn his third Silver Star in Germany’s Aachen Gap on October 13, 1944. In this selfless action, T/Sgt. Farinholt saved several lives at great risk to his personal safety. In the midst of a blistering artillery barrage, he exposed himself to fire and personally evacuated several badly wounded men to safety.Fourth Silver Star
Tiger I
Tiger I is the common name of a German heavy tank developed in 1942 and used in World War II. The final official German designation was Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf. E, often shortened to Tiger. It was an answer to the unexpectedly formidable Soviet armour encountered in the initial months of...
tanks from schwere Panzer Abteilung (Funklenk) 301 (translated as the 301st Heavy Tank Battalion [radio control]).
After one of Farinholt's antitank gun crews had been knocked out of action by a Tiger tank leading an armored column into Bourheim, he personally manned the gun, firing and neutralizing the tank by hitting its left rear road wheel and knocking its track off. In doing so, he temporarily brought to a halt the enemy’s armored and infantry advance but was seriously wounded when the tank's machine gunner returned fire peppering Farinholt and his gun's armored plate with bullets. Farinholt suffered 26 bullet and shrapnel wounds to his body, to include having the tibia bone in his lower right leg completely shattered. Despite his severe injuries, and while still under fire, he managed to crawl to a nearby jeep in which he drove to the 3rd Battalion command post to warn leaders of the coming attack. Farinholt's report led to an airstrike by P-47 Thunderbolt
P-47 Thunderbolt
Republic Aviation's P-47 Thunderbolt, also known as the "Jug", was the largest, heaviest, and most expensive fighter aircraft in history to be powered by a single reciprocating engine. It was heavily armed with eight .50-caliber machine guns, four per wing. When fully loaded, the P-47 weighed up to...
s which decimated the attacking Germans.
Repurcusions
Farinholt spent the next two years in Army hospitals recovering from his wounds. Doctors were able to save his shattered right leg, however, the wound never completely closed and for 58 years, until his death in 2002, Farinholt cleaned and dressed the still open wound twice each day.In 2005, The National Guard Bureau commissioned a painting of Farinholt's November 1944 action in Bourheim, Germany for its Heritage Series, which depicts important battlefield contributions in American military history made by the National Guard.
Other awards
Farinholt's military awards and decorations include: the Combat Infantryman BadgeCombat Infantryman Badge
The Combat Infantryman Badge is the U.S. Army combat service recognition decoration awarded to soldiers—enlisted men and officers holding colonel rank or below, who personally fought in active ground combat while an assigned member of either an infantry or a Special Forces unit, of brigade size...
, Silver Star Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
, Purple Heart
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
Good Conduct Medal
Good Conduct Medal
The Good Conduct Medal is one of the oldest military awards of the United States military. The Navy Good Conduct Medal was first issued in 1869, followed by a Marine version in 1896. The Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal was issued in 1923 and the Army Good Conduct Medal in 1941. The Air Force was...
, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal is a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt...
(with Arrowhead and 4 Battle Stars), American Defense Service Medal
American Defense Service Medal
The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:...
, American Campaign Medal
American Campaign Medal
The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt...
, World War II Victory Medal
World War II Victory Medal
The World War II Victory Medal is a decoration of the United States military which was created by an act of Congress in July 1945. The decoration commemorates military service during World War II and is awarded to any member of the United States military, including members of the armed forces of...
and Belgian Croix de Guerre
Croix de guerre
The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts...
for valor.
Silver StarSilver StarThe Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
with three oak leaf clusters
Bronze StarBronze Star MedalThe Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
Purple HeartPurple HeartThe Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Defense Service MedalAmerican Defense Service MedalThe American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:...
with Fleet Clasp
American Campaign MedalAmerican Campaign MedalThe American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt...
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign MedalEuropean-African-Middle Eastern Campaign MedalThe European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal is a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt...
with Arrowhead and 4 battle stars
World War II Victory MedalWorld War II Victory MedalThe World War II Victory Medal is a decoration of the United States military which was created by an act of Congress in July 1945. The decoration commemorates military service during World War II and is awarded to any member of the United States military, including members of the armed forces of...- Belgian Croix de Guerre with palm
Combat Infantryman BadgeCombat Infantryman BadgeThe Combat Infantryman Badge is the U.S. Army combat service recognition decoration awarded to soldiers—enlisted men and officers holding colonel rank or below, who personally fought in active ground combat while an assigned member of either an infantry or a Special Forces unit, of brigade size...
Further reading
- Answering Their Country's Call: Marylanders in World War II by Michael H. Rogers
- The Silver Star: A History of America's Third Highest Award for Combat Valor by Fredric L. Borch III and William R. Westlake
- Baltimore News-Post August 19, 1944. The Baltimore News-Post is defunct. It's archive is maintained by the Archives of the State of Maryland.
External links
- Library of Congress Veterans Project http://www.loc.gov/vets/
- The National Guard Heritage Series http://www.ngb.army.mil/gallery/heritage/index.asp