Joseph E. Motil, 100, of Bethlehem, died Dec. 12, 2018, at Moravian Village, Bethlehem. Born in Williams Township, he was a son of the late Anna (Mauer) and Alexander Motil. He was the husband of the late Goldie C. (Kovacs) Motil for 65 years.

He worked in the Laros and Bethlehem Silk Mills and for the Bethlehem Steel in the soaking pits and other departments for 40 years.

He was in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was attached to the 4th Infantry (IVY) Div. L. CO. 22nd Inf. Reg. and landed with the first wave on Utah Beach on D Day, June 6, 1944. He was wounded June 11, 1944 and received the Purple Heart for his injuries. He was the recipient of a Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Arrowhead, European African Middle Eastern Medal, President Unit Emblem Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button World War II, Good Conduct Medal, and 50th Anniversary French Jubilee of Liberty Medal. In 2016, he received the French Medal of Honor at the French Embassy, Washington, D.C.

He was the founder of the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the 4th Infantry (IVY) Division Association and was a president at the chapter and national levels.

He was a life member of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 07 of the Lehigh Valley; Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 190 of the Lehigh Valley; Battle of the Bulge; and of Hellertown American Legion Post 397 of which he was a senior vice commander and a president.

He is survived by a daughter, Carol and her husband Robert Sellman of Haddon Heights, N.J.; two grandchildren, Michelle Cox and her husband U.S. Air Force retired Col. Lee–Volker and Jennifer and her husband Adam Jenkins; and a great-grandson, Ryan.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Alexander and Louis Motil; and a sister, Anna Motil.

Contributions may be made to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Lehigh Valley Chapter 190, c/o finance officer Chuck Jackson, 6358 Manzanite Dr., Macungie, PA 18062.

Arrangements were made by Connell Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.