The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Joseph Monroe (ASN: 0-2263244), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 4 October 1951, as Company B assaulted hostile forces occupying Hill 281, near Chungse-ri, Korea, Lieutenant Monroe, a platoon leader, was skillfully maneuvering his men forward, when they were suddenly pinned down by enemy fire. Realizing the impending danger, he unhesitatingly moved to the foremost squad and fearlessly led the platoon across the exposed terrain through the intense automatic weapons and small arms fire, until again halted by a fusillade from a nearby enemy bunker. Lieutenant Monroe courageously advanced upon the hostile emplacement and silenced with an accurately placed hand grenade, enabling the platoon to move forward and secure its objective. The gallant initiative and resolute leadership displayed by Lieutenant Monroe reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.