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 C. Howard, Jr. (ASN: RA-57218022), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of 2d Military Police Company, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 30 November 1950, in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, Korea. On this date Corporal Howard was given the difficult mission of defending a hill directly overlooking the 2d Infantry Division Command Post. The position offered an excellent vantage point to the enemy and was considered a threat to the security of the Division Command Post if commanded by the enemy. Unable to procure troops in sufficient number to assure success of the mission by numerical strength, Corporal Howard used outstanding initiative and alertness in securing eight Korean truck drivers. Arming them with small arms and ammunition, he led them to the hill and deployed the small group tactically. When heavy enemy fire was directed on the hill occupied by Corporal Howard, his small group held out for two hours until relieved by elements of the 9th Infantry Regiment. In the afternoon of this same day, Corporal Howard, in the continuation of his mission to protect the Division Command Post received a serious wound from enemy fire. Despite his wound, he mounted a nearby tank and manned a .50 caliber machine gun and continued firing against the enemy until he was evacuated. Corporal Howard’s initiative and resourcefulness reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.