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 Joe H. Hoogerheide (ASN: 36453914), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 34th Infantry Division, in action on 3 June 1944, in the vicinity of Lanuvio, Italy. When their company was halted by heavy enemy machine gun fire, he and three comrades volunteered to seek out the hostile positions. While working their way through heavy barbed wire entanglements, they drew heavy fire from the Germans and sought cover in a ditch. Private First Class Joseph Pucek then crawled back to the platoon under the covering fire of his comrades. Private First Class Joe H. Hoogerheide continued the fight with hand grenades. Private First Class Paul Kemmler and Private First Class Paul Davey withdrew. When the exploding grenades forced the enemy to seek cover, these two men also withdrew, signaling the mortar platoon to open fire. The following mortar barrage disorganized the enemy and by nightfall the company was able to continue its advance toward Rome. The courageous determination displayed by these men was exemplary and a key factor in the success of the entire operation.