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 Private First Class Joseph John Warda, Jr. (ASN: US-55209823), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in Korea On the night of 25 July 1952, a volunteer squad of Company E was given the mission of taking up positions on a hill known as OP KELLY, near Koyang-dae, Korea, to protect the outpost against possible enemy attacks. For tactical reasons the squad was divided into two groups with one group advancing one hundred yards in front of the outpost to serve as a listening post. Private Warda, serving as squad leader, remained with the outpost group. That night a fanatical group of the enemy threatened to overrun the listening post as they attacked with deadly small arms and grenade fire. Sensing the imminent danger, he immediately began gathering his men and advancing toward the listening post so that they might assist in defending it. Upon arriving there and finding that the post was being overrun and that the foe were rapidly advancing in his direction, Private Warda fearlessly subjected himself to the devastating enemy fire as he directed his men into defensive positions. When the situation became more critical he ordered his men to move to the rear and as they did so he covered them with such an accurate base of fire that they were able to evacuate the wounded. Private Warda’s superb gallantry and inspirational leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.