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 First Class Joseph A. Talotta (ASN: RA-33786851), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of Company L, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 6 February 1951, near Chipyong-ni, Korea. On that date he was a platoon sergeant in an infantry unit which was assigned the mission of locating a reported enemy command post near Chipyong-ni. As the platoon approached Hill 506, it was subjected to heavy enemy machine gun, small arms and mortar fire, which pinned it down. When the platoon leader was mortally wounded in a bayonet charge Sergeant Talotta immediately took command and led the platoon toward its objective in spite of the intense enemy small arms fire. His courageous actions contributed materially to the success of his unit in accomplishing its mission. The gallant conduct of Sergeant Talotta reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.