The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Joseph Attwood Giddings, Jr. (ASN: 0-59183), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as an artillery forward observer of the 57th Field Artillery Battalion, attached to Company B, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, during operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Koto-ri, North Korea, on the night of 29 – 30 November 1950. When cut off by the enemy with a composite group of United States Army, United States Marines, British Marines, and Republic of Korea soldiers, Lieutenant Giddings, unable to perform his normal duties due to lack of communications, assisted his company commander and defensive operations against a determined enemy. Lieutenant Giddings exhibited indomitable courage and outstanding leadership by his efforts in repeatedly repulsing enemy attacks. He organized and defended a portion of the perimeter defense which was singled out by the enemy for his strongest attacks. By his personal example, he served as an inspiration to the men around him. He continually exposed himself to enemy fire in order to locate the enemy and intelligently direct the defense of his position. Lieutenant Giddings’ courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military services of his country.