The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Medical Administrative Corps), [then Staff Sergeant] Joseph Kohn (ASN: 0-2015945), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 6 March 1945, near Forbach, France. During an attack on the heavily-fortified Simon Coal Mine, an advancing rifleman was wounded by rocket fire and lay helpless, only thirty yards from the enemy. Staff Sergeant Kohn, despite severe machine gun, rocket, and tank fire, rushed across open ground, scaled a seven foot wall, and crawled through barbed wire entanglements to reach the wounded man. Though badly lacerated by the wire, he gave first aid to his comrade and evacuated him over the same difficult route. His gallantry and courageous determination symbolize the finest traditions of the service.