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 Joe O. Shipley (ASN: 34372362), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 August 1944, in France. Private First Class Shipley was serving as a switchboard operator with the headquarters of an infantry unit, engaged in bitter fighting with enemy forces. When a line was knocked out dur to enemy fire, Private First Class Shipley moved out to repair it. While out on this duty he observed enemy tanks approaching. He returned to get assistance, and with the promise of friendly tanks, went back to his vantage point, taking with him a bazooka. When a comrade became frightened, Private First Class Shipley went on alone. Fearlessly engaging an enemy tank alone he fired an initial burst hitting the tread of the tank and disabling it. A second shot from his bazooka set the tank on fire. His actions, plus the fire from friendly tanks who arrived on the scene, forced the hostile armor to withdraw. By his initiative and daring, Private First Class Shipley had knocked out an enemy tank unassisted, and was responsible in large measure for repulsing a counterattack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Shipley, 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.