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 F. Gredys (ASN: 37146226), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from 11 to 14 March 1944. When Private First Class Gredys discovered the location of a concealed enemy machine gun, which had been harassing his position, he unhesitatingly crawled into the open and fired four rifle grenades into the nest, killing the crew and demolishing the weapon. Later, when the Japanese set up two machine guns that threatened his pillbox, he again displayed outstanding courage by maneuvering to within twenty yards of both guns and knocking them out with grenade fire. During the same action, Private First Class Gredys left his covered position to drag a wounded comrade 150 yards to safety. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Gredys, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.