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 James Kluza, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Mediterranean theater in assisting in the rescue of two soldiers from a river during an attack. A rifleman, he crossed a rapid, treacherous river on 21 January 1944, with his company in an attack against strongly-held enemy positions. Safely across the river, they saw two members of his platoon struggling in the powerful current of the river. Ignoring the hail of enemy fire which fell around him, he jumped into the cold water and swam to the two men. Catching a drifting boat, he instructed the men to hold to it while he cut their gear loose. One of the drowning men wrapped his arms around his neck, dragging all three under the water. Private First Class Kluza fought free of the panic-stricken soldier and held him up until his platoon leader came and helped complete the rescue. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.