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 John A. Joseph (ASN: 33421813), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 October 1944, in Germany. When his platoon’s positions were attacked by a strong enemy force, Private First Class Joseph voluntarily made his way through intense enemy artillery fire to the battalion command post a thousand yards away to inform them of the situation. On the return trip to his platoon, Private First Class Joseph encountered a squad of the enemy, and with the assistance of three comrades aggressively assaulted the squad, capturing two of the enemy and forcing the remainder to withdraw. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Joseph, 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.