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 Joseph L. Mattey, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 337th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division, with the FIFTH Army front in Italy during World War II. When the patrol of which he was a member was fired upon by enemy machineguns from three directions, Private First Class Mattey moved forward with his automatic rifle to engage the hostile positions. Realizing that the enemy had the patrol’s route of withdrawal covered by their weapons, he crawled to an exposed knoll and succeeded in silencing one of the machine guns and enabling his comrades to make a successful withdrawal to their lines. 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.