The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Josiah E. Colcord (ASN: 0-548228), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations while serving with Company C, 290th Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 January 1945 in Belgium. Company C was moving along the road to Petit Their preparatory to launching the attack upon the town. The lead platoon, commanded by Lieutenant Colcord received instructions to contact another company on their flank. The scouts went ahead until they were suddenly attacked by machine gun fire and other guns soon joined in and the platoon and the rest of the company was pinned down. Both scouts were wounded, one seriously and it was then that Lieutenant Colcord ordered his Platoon Sergeant to withdraw the platoon and then started to crawl toward his wounded scouts. He reached one scout and then exposed himself and opened fire on the enemy, eliminating two gun crews and in so doing allowed the other scout to crawl to cover. Then, under his company’s covering fire, Lieutenant Colcord brought the two wounded men back through 250 yards of hip-deep snow. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.