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 Corporal Joseph M. Lynch (ASN: RA-13273224), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 May 1951 in the vicinity of Panmagi-ri, Korea. On that date the positions of Company A were attacked by a strong enemy force. When the company withdrew to better positions, Corporal Lynch volunteered to remain behind and delay the enemy until his comrades had withdrawn. During this action Corporal Lynch pointed out enemy positions to his squad leader, who, in turn, called for artillery strikes. Delivering a steady stream of fire with his automatic rifle, Corporal Lynch held down any enemy who dared expose himself. After the company had completed the withdrawal, Corporal Lynch and other members of his squad destroyed all supplies and equipment they could not take with them in order to prevent their falling into enemy hands. The heroism in action demonstrated by Corporal Lynch on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.