The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Joseph R. Murphy (ASN: 32744301), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Elend, Germany, on 17 April 1945. When an assault platoon was impeded by an intense machine gun and small arms concentration from a strongly fortified enemy emplacement, Sergeant Murphy, with utter disregard for personal safety, courageously crossed perilous terrain to an exposed vantage point and, crawling within range, directed a well-placed hand grenade and destroyed the hostile strongpoint and captured a number of hostile troops. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.