The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Joseph A. Byrne (ASN: RA-13334610), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 22 September 1950 in the vicinity of Chegye, Korea. On that date his company had the mission of attacking an enemy-held hill. During the advance, Corporal Byrne’s squad was subjected to heavy sniper fire and was pinned down. In order to eliminate the hostile riflemen, he voluntarily left his cover and crawled forward under the enemy fire which was sweeping the area to an exposed position. With well-aimed rifle fire he killed two of the snipers and rove another one away. When the squad was unable to contact the company command post by radio, he volunteered to defy the enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire in order to obtain reinforcements and ammunition. As a result of his voluntary and hazardous mission, reinforcements and additional ammunition were sent forward and the squad was enabled to resume the assault. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Byrne reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.