The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joseph S. Broffman (ASN: 32523120), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 81st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, on 26 September 1944. As a part of a detachment manning a company perimeter defense position, Private First Class Broffman observed an enemy rifleman approaching his position just before dawn. He quickly fired at and killed him with his automatic rifle, alerting the two comrades who were sharing his foxhole. They did not see another of the enemy who had crawled to within ten yards of them until he raided himself and threw a grenade in their midst. Not being able to find the grenade in the poor light, Private First Class Broffman threw himself in its general direction in a heroic effort to save his comrades, and by sop doing received the full impact of the explosion. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Broffman, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.