The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Joseph M. Vale (ASN: 0-1180371), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 905th Field Artillery Battalion, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 17 November 1944 in France. In order to deliver effective fire on enemy positions near Landroff, France, Lieutenant Vale, a forward observer, advanced through severe enemy fire to an advantageous position from where he destroyed many hostile guns. Then, he voluntarily led an infantry platoon in a successful attack to take the objective. Lieutenant Vale’s courage and 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.