The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Joseph Voelker, Jr. (ASN: 33422497), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Oberhoffen, France, on 9 February 1945. The 3d Platoon was assigned the mission of clearing the enemy from a group of houses. Private First Class Voelker, an automatic rifleman, although wounded early in the engagement and later rendered unconscious by the concussion of mortar and artillery shells, refused both times to be evacuated. Instead, he continued in the attack and, by his accurate fire, destroyed several enemy strongpoints, materially aiding the advance of his platoon. Unhesitatingly exposing himself to enemy small arms, mortar, and artillery fire, he killed at least seven of the enemy and wounded one. Private First Class Voelker’s magnificent courage and outstanding devotion to duty were an inspiration to all who witnessed his actions. His personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.