The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Joe F. Lesniewski (ASN: 36521946), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 823d Tank Destroyer Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 23 December 1944, in Belgium. Finding that his tank would not start, Technician Fourth Grade Lesniewski dismounted under extreme enemy fire and started to repair the engine when he was hit by a shell fragment. He refused medical aid because it would delay his getting the tank into action but continued to repair the engine and then moved the tank to a safe position. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technician Fourth Grade Lesniewski, 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.