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 Stanko (ASN: 33689011), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 July 1944, in France. Private First Class Stanko was serving with an Infantry Regiment as a rifleman. During an offensive against the enemy, he was a member of a patrol sent into enemy territory to obtain information on hostile troop dispositions. The patrol made contact with the enemy and was pinned down by heavy machine gun fire. When the remainder of the patrol withdrew to friendly lines, Private First Class Stanko voluntarily remained in his hazardous position until darkness fell, then alone he made his way bout the enemy territory, securing the information the patrol had set out to obtain, and successfully made his way back to his company. The courage and unselfish devotion to duty exhibited by Private First Class Stanko made possible the successful completion of the mission of his patrol. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Stanko, 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.