The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joe Boothe (ASN: 38053069), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 10 July 1943, five miles west of ****, Sicily. Private First Class Boothe placed his rocket launcher in a position of vantage well in advance of his own forces. Although exposed to heavy enemy fire and regardless of the ineffectiveness of his own rocket fire, Private First Class Boothe held his position and continued to operate his launcher against a Mark *** ***** tank until the tank, at a distance of fifty feet, fired its main 88-mm. turret gun and killed him. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.