The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), [then Sergeant] Joseph Griffith (ASN: 0-2263002), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery C, 37th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 1 February 1951, in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea. An enemy force of estimated regimental strength launched an attack against the 3d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, and succeeded in forcing a breach in the line defended by Company L. Lieutenant Griffith volunteered to go forward with an observer to replace an observer killed earlier in the attack. Realizing the importance of close-in support, he moved to exposed positions with the left flank platoon on hill 333, the commanding terrain in the sector, in order to assist the forward observer. As the bitter battle intensified, Lieutenant Griffith refused to leave his position until the enemy was nearly on top of him. At the last minute he joined the infantry as they fell back under heavy fire. He assisted in regrouping the platoon and leading the bayonet charge which regained the lost ground. On several occasions, Lieutenant Griffith braved enemy fire in order to remove fallen comrades from the enemy’s field of fire, showing no regard for his personal safety. At one point during the bitter struggle Lieutenant Griffith carried ammunition to a forward machine gun position that was under intense enemy fire and in need of ammunition. The machine gun was later able to repulse several enemy attacks. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Griffith reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.