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 T. Tomaine (ASN: 20302355), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Luxembourg on 17 December 1944. Private First Class Tomaine, serving as platoon runner, carried the badly needed ammunition from the company ammunition dump to his platoon which had become isolated and encircled by enemy infantry. On his third attempt, after twice creeping and crawling through some three hundred yards of enemy-held ground, Private First Class Tomaine observed three German half-tracks advancing towards the platoon’s position. After returning to company headquarters and securing a rocket launcher, Private First Class Tomaine started to a point from which he could engage the armored vehicles but was wounded by a fragment of an enemy mortar shell before he could establish contact. He bravely penetrated the enemy liens again and warned his platoon of the approaching half-tracks. Immediately members of the platoon took his launcher and destroyed all of the enemy vehicles, enabling the platoon to hold their positions. Not until he had led other wounded men to the battalion aid station, did Private First Class Tomaine consent to have his own wounds treated. By his gallant action Private First Class Tomaine reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.