The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joseph J. O’Heiko (ASN: 32601332), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 24 December 1944 in Luxembourg. On that date, near Vichten, Luxembourg, Private First Class O’Heiko and a companion, after performing liaison duties all night under difficult conditions, located enemy guns which were firing on his tank destroyer company, and, crawling to an exposed position, he directed effective fire to destroy the enemy. Ordered to withdraw, the evacuated two wounded infantrymen along a road that was being shelled by enemy artillery. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, Private First Class O’Heiko later returned to give aid to other wounded men had had observed along the road and to evacuate three of the more severely injured soldiers. Private First Class O’Heiko’s courage, initiative, and profound devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.