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 Joseph P. Mehelich (ASN: 39214504), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 3 October 1944, in Holland. Private Mehelich, a Medical Aidman, distinguished himself when his unit was pinned down in a woods by intense enemy artillery fire which caused many casualties. Although painfully wounded himself, Private Mehelich insisted on going to the aid of other casualties. Despite the fierce shell fire, she stumbled and crawled one hundred and fifty yards to a group of wounded men, and for three hours endured the fire while he took care of the needs of the injured men. Private Mehelich’s courage and self-sacrifice are worthy of the highest praise and were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Army.