The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Joseph T. Emond (ASN: 36000371), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company F, *** Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division. On 23 July 1944, at *****, Italy, Technical Sergeant Emond displayed exceptional leadership and great personal heroism in enemy fire during an attack on enemy machine guns. Leading his platoon in the advance to *****, Technical Sergeant Emond entered the edge of town. When the enemy suddenly opened fire from buildings and prepared positions in the streets, the whole town seemed to erupt in a blazing sheet of flame from hostile guns, forcing the platoon and the whole company to take cover in buildings and behind walls. Enemy mortar shells blasted into the streets, less than twenty yards from Technical Sergeant Emond and machine pistols added an incessant rattle of fire. At this time two enemy machine guns were brought into the streets and set up by a crew of ten Germans. Technical Sergeant Emond, courageously exposing himself to move about through the enemy fire, quickly reorganized the scattered elements of his platoon and led them through the murderous hostile fire, assaulting with wild yells and war whoops, firing as they went. The speed and audacity of this lightning attack went straight toward the enemy guns carrying them directly among the disconcerted Germans. When the Germans attempted to flee Technical Sergeant Emond and his men were on them, hurling grenades at the furthest, rifles and B.A.R.’s blazing at the disorganized enemy gun crews. The two machine guns were destroyed and five of the enemy manning them were killed and three wounded. Capturing these and two other prisoners, Technical Sergeant Emond continued clearing the way for his company to move forward out of the heavy machine gun and mortar fire, enabling them to take the town. His dynamic action in the face of enemy fire, his disregard of the danger to which he was exposed was an inspiration to the men who followed him. The heroism of Technical Sergeant Emond was a vital factor in the success of the assault on *****, and reflects the heroic traditions of the American Infantry Soldier.