The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Joseph W. Simmons (ASN: RA-15262260), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the Medical Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 6 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changyong, Korea. On that date Sergeant Simmons was assigned as Aid Man for a Rifle Platoon. During an attack against hostile positions, in which enemy mortar and small arms fire was extremely heavy, Sergeant Simmons voluntarily went to the aid of men of an adjacent platoon. While exposing himself thus to the enemy fire, he was wounded by shrapnel. Completely disregarding his own wound, he continued to give aid to our wounded and helped to evacuate them to the rear. Though he was in great pain and was losing much blood, he refused to be evacuated until all of the wounded had been cared for and removed. After all our wounded had been given first aid and had been evacuated, Sergeant Simmons allowed himself to be treated. The gallantry and devotion to comrades displayed by Sergeant Simmons reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.