The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Joseph H. Widseth (MCSN: 0-17410), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as platoon leader attached to the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands on 26 September 1944. When an assault platoon suffered extremely heavy casualties during a bitter engagement, First Lieutenant Widseth was relieved of his command as mortar platoon leader and ordered to lead the remaining 25 men in an attack against the right sector of a strategic heavily fortified hill. With the left flank of the company pinned down by bitter enemy fire, he boldly pressed forward and leading his platoon up the 200 foot coral incline succeeded in reaching the crest of the objective before he was mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire. By his brilliant leadership, daring initiative and great personal valor, First Lieutenant Widseth contributed to the sub sequent capture of this vital stronghold and his valiant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Joseph H. Widseth (MCSN: 0-17410), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as platoon leader attached to the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands on 26 September 1944. When an assault platoon suffered extremely heavy casualties during a bitter engagement, First Lieutenant Widseth was relieved of his command as mortar platoon leader and ordered to lead the remaining 25 men in an attack against the right sector of a strategic heavily fortified hill. With the left flank of the company pinned down by bitter enemy fire, he boldly pressed forward and leading his platoon up the 200 foot coral incline succeeded in reaching the crest of the objective before he was mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire. By his brilliant leadership, daring initiative and great personal valor, First Lieutenant Widseth contributed to the sub sequent capture of this vital stronghold and his valiant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Inscription
1LT, US MARINE CORPS WORLD WAR II
Family Members
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Albert Lloyd Widseth
1901–1985
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George Rudolph Widseth
1903–1966
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Carl Gerhard Widseth
1905–1951
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Elizabeth Widseth Anderson
1907–1945
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Arthur Gunder Widseth
1908–1930
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Edwin Clarence "Ed" Widseth
1910–1998
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Ragna Gena Widseth Berg
1912–1999
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John Melvin Widseth
1914–1980
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Nora Caroline Widseth Bagaason
1916–2003
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Raymond Lester Widseth
1923–1930
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