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 (Armor), [then Major] Joseph G. Fowler (ASN: 0-53218), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Service Company, 64th Heavy Tank Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 3 June 1951, Company C was engaged in an armored patrol near Chail-li, Korea, when it unexpectedly ran into an enemy ambush composed of a large number of well-placed and cleverly concealed anti-tank guns. Immediately, before ground observes could discover the locations, three tanks were knocked out and the entire company was compelled to fall back for reorganization. Colonel Fowler, seeing this action from a liaison plane, had the pilot fly at an extremely low altitude and despite the intense fire directed at the plane, continued to fly back and forth over the area until he was able to pinpoint the location of the enemy guns. After ascertaining the site of the hostile weapons, Colonel Fowler still at a low level and subjected to enemy fire, directed effective air strikes and artillery barrages against the hostile emplacement. Inflicting much damage to them. Colonel Fowler’s gallantry and outstanding tactical skill reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.