The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] Joseph E. Callahan (ASN: 39295639), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 9 January 1945, at Hatten, France. During the German attack on the town, Private Callahan set up his machine gun in front of the riflemen and fired down a street, thus pinning down enemy snipers and artillery observers. Under enemy mortar, artillery, machine gun and rifle fire, he held to his post until the riflemen could reorganize and counterattack. Then, preceding the riflemen, Private Callahan discovered and flanked an enemy machine gun which was holding up the platoon. When renewed enemy machine gun fire wounded his ammunition bearer, he administered first aid and brought the wounded man to safety. Private Callahan next volunteered to clear some adjacent houses of enemy riflemen. Aided by two other men, he flushed the building, capturing five Germans and much enemy material. His bravery and aggressiveness were a splendid example to the gallant defenders of Hatten.