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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph A. Mack (ASN: 0-1999957), United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in the vicinity of ****, Belgium, on 30 and 31 December 1944. Lieutenant Mack, leader of the Anti-tank Platoon of Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 1934th Infantry Regiment, maintained his guns in a position on the right flank of the regiment during a series of enemy counterattacks supported by tanks and armor. When a column of Germans approached his position, he directed fire which killed twelve of the enemy and dispersed the remainder. The mounting intensity of the German fire forced one of his squads to make a limited withdrawal. Lieutenant Mack was the last to leave the area, as he personally assisted in evacuating four wounded members of the squad. On the night of 31 December the enemy infiltrated our lines, and a squad of the anti-tank platoon. Lieutenant Mack organized and led a group of men toward the beleaguered squad under heavy enemy fire, and was within 50 yards of his goal when he was fatally wounded by enemy machine gun fire. Inspired by the intrepidity of their leader, the remaining members of this group fought on and succeeded in rescuing the trapped squad. Lieutenant Mack’s heroic self-sacrifice reflects credit upon his character as an officer and leader of men.