The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Joseph W. Gibbs (ASN: 0-294997), United States Army, for gallantry in action on Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 23 February 1945. After a successful liberation of over two thousand American internees, Lieutenant Colonel Gibbs amphtrak battalion, carrying the evacuees to safety, was fired upon by an enemy shore battery. With utter disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Colonel Gibbs withdrew his command amphtrak from the convoy and moved in dangerously close to the shore where he personally directed fire on the enemy positions and destroyed them, thereby saving the lives of many of the civilian evacuees. His courage and devotion to duty while under heavy enemy fire, and while in a position of grave responsibility, is worthy of the highest praise.