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), [then Technical Sergeant] Joseph Genovesi (ASN: 0-2011783), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 411th Infantry Regiment, 103d Infantry Division. On 17 March 1945, near Nehwiller, France, after the enemy in strongly defended emplacements had beaten off several attacks with machine gun cross fire and mortar barrages, reducing Lieutenant Genovesi’s platoon to 17 men, he formed the platoon into a wedge formation with automatic weapons at the apex. Leading his men 100 yards across open terrain through the intense fire, he knocked out two machine guns in the enemy’s first line of defense, continued on to the second line of defense and neutralized two more machine guns. Although the platoon had been reduced to 10 men, he then drove to the rear defenses and captured a battery of heavy mortars, crushing the enemy’s resistance. 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.