The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Joe R. McInerney (ASN: 0-1177079), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 118th Infantry Regiment (Separate), attached to the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 August 1944, in France. Second Lieutenant McInerney was serving as a member of a Forward Observer Party directing artillery fire in support of an infantry force. The enemy launched a sudden and vigorous thrust, spearheaded by tanks. Despite the extreme hazard of remaining at their exposed forward position, Second Lieutenant McInerney and his comrades refused to move until directly ordered to do so. As a result of Second Lieutenant McInerney’ s intelligent and skillful observance, his coolness under fire, and his stout personal courage, continuous artillery fire was directed on the enemy concentrations which was largely responsible for the repulse of a fierce hostile counterattack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant McInerney, 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.