Joseph M. Lauinger Military Awards and Decorations

The connection between the Lauinger Family and Georgetown University dates back to the 1890s when Frank L. Lauinger enrolled in the Law School. His son "P.C." graduated from the College of Arts and Science in 1922, played a very active role as an alumnus, and in 1967 was one of the first laymen named to sit on the University's Board of Directors. He spent his entire career with his family business, Petroleum Publishing Company (later PennWell), publisher of Oil & Gas Journal and other industry publications. Four of P.C.'s sons graduated from Georgetown's College of Arts and Sciences: Philip Charles Jr. in 1958,  Frank Thomas in 1962, Anthony Joseph  in 1967, and Joseph Mark also in 1967. Family members have continued to graduate from the University.

Born on July 5, 1945, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Joseph Mark Lauinger graduated from Tulsa's Cascia Hall Preparatory School in 1963. He was a varsity basketball player and a member of the gold team there. At Georgetown, he majored in History and was a member of The Chimes a cappella group. He also participated in the Spanish Club, Young Republicans, intramural basketball, the Senior Class Council and the Student Athletic Committee. After graduation, he entered the Army's Officer Candidate School in October 1967.

On January 8, 1970, Joseph Lauinger was killed in Vietnam. An army first Lieutenant, he was hit by enemy fire while commanding an Army unit on a reconnaissance mission. The University announced on March 11, 1970 that its new Library building would bear his name . In announcing this memorialization, University President R.J. Henle, S.J.  noted it was important "that the name should embody more than financial generosity and should reflect a tradition of dedication and devotion to Georgetown, to our Church and to mankind" and that the "new library will stand, through Joseph, as a monument to the Georgetown men and women who have sacrificed and given of themselves, in peace as well as in war. They have not only served America's armed forces with distinction and valor, many have dedicated their lives, both here and in lonely spots around the world, on government missions, working in laboratories and remote hospitals, missions and schools, for the betterment of mankind. The Joseph Mark Lauinger Memorial Library is a sign to all that a grateful Georgetown has not forgotten."