The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Joseph L. Marucheck (ASN: 0-386049), United States Army, for gallantry In action while serving with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, in action against the enemy on 23 April 1945, near the Po River, Italy. In the establishment of the first bridgehead across the Po River, Captain Marucheck organized and directed the efforts of six riflemen in meeting a determined counterattack of thirty of the enemy. With superior tactics and determined aggressiveness, he led his small force in laying down a terrific curtain of rifle fire that halted the hostile force, and pinned them down. Then as an artillery observer laid down a barrage of supporting fire, the enemy were forced to surrender. By his initiative and gallant courage at a critical time in the fight for a foothold across the river, and his heroism in exposing himself to terrific artillery and small arms fire to direct such a small group of men and fight against terrific odds, Captain Marucheck demonstrated courage and military skill worthy of the finest traditions of the United States Army.