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 Technical Sergeant Joseph C. Gaberdiel (ASN: 6832016), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 255th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 3 January 1945, in the vicinity of Lambach, France. Sergeant Gaberdiel, second in command of a patrol which penetrated enemy territory to raid a town, dispersed his men and valorously directed their actions toward eliminating enemy machine gun and small arms firing. Taking the initiative, he advanced well forward and effectively threw hand grenades which killed three machine gunners. The enemy, although believed to outnumber his patrol two-to-one, was forced to withdraw as a result of Sergeant Gaberdiel’s outstanding gallantry and leadership. While engaged in this action, Sergeant Gaberdiel was killed. His heroic sacrifice remains as a lasting inspiration to his men and is in accord with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.