"Mr. Louis Houdek of Protivin, Iowa received June 21, 1945 the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, awarded for heroism to his son, Joseph Victor Houdek, who gave his life for his country, October 29, 1944. The citation reads as follows:

"The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, posthumously to Joseph Victor Houdek, water tender 1-c, United States Naval Reserve, for service as set forth in the following citation:

"For heroic conduct while attached to the USS Eversole, following the serious damaging of that vessel by enemy Japanese submarine action of the Philippine Islands in waters adjacent to Leyte Gulf, during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, October 29, 1944. Seriously injured while standing watch in the fireroom when an enemy torpedo hit his compartment and caused heavy damage, Houdek courageously assisted his men from the confined area despite additional injuries sustained as he carried out his self-sacrificing action in evacuating his men topside. Resolutely refusing to abandon ship until he had secured the fireroom, he subsequently succumbed to his injuries. By his prompt initiative, unyielding
fortitude and cool courage in the face of almost certain death, Houdek saved the lives of three of his shipmates who otherwise might have perished and his valiant devotion to duty throughout was in
keeping with the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

"For the President, Jas. Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy."

January, 1945

My dear Mr. and Mrs. Houdek:

It is with the deepest sympathy and regret that I write you concerning the circumstances of Joseph's death.

During the action in which Joseph lost his life, his ship, the EVERSOLE, was assigned to duty escorting the carrier group which was covering the
landing of troops on Leyte Island, in the Philippine Islands, and we participated in the now famous Second Naval Battle of the Philippine Sea.

Joseph was on watch in the after fire room at 2:29 on the morning of 29 October 1944 when we were hit by two submarine torpedoes. Although badly
scalded by live steam, Joseph assisted all his men out of the damaged fire room being further scalded in his self-sacrificing act. After all his men were out, Joseph secured the fire room and not until then did he abandon ship. The burns and injuries received as a result of his devotion to duty later resulted in his death on the 30th of October 1944, and he was given a burial at sea with full military honors on that day.

Joseph died a hero's death and will always be remembered in the prayers and hearts of us who were spared. Letters addressed to me at 208 South Orange Drive, Los Angeles, California will always reach me. Please do not hesitate to call on me for any further information. I trust that you understand that only the strictest regulations have prevented me from writing you personally much sooner than this.

Sincerely,

George E. Marix

Lt. Comdr., U.S. Navy

Formerly Commanding

Joseph with two friends.

Willis Martin Pitt WT1/c with Joseph V. Houdek.

Willis Martin Pitt perished during the sinking of the USS Eversole.