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 (Infantry) Joseph S. Giacobello (ASN: 0-1311878), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, Normandy, France, 13 July 1944. During an attack in the vicinity of ****, Normandy, France, Lieutenant Giacobello’s company was held up by enemy machine guns firing from a group of houses. Attempts to advance were in each case repulsed, with casualties and without progress. He voluntarily led a patrol to outflank the enemy positions, crawled to a hedgerow on the right flank to an advanced position, from which he threw eight hand grenades to destroy one enemy machine gun position, although, during the action, he was wounded in the face and elbow by machine gun and mortar fire. Disregarding his wounds, and refusing to accept medical aid until all positions were secured, he proceeded with his patrol to capture his platoon objective and placed fire on other enemy positions to permit the advance of his company. The gallantry in action, leadership in battle, disregard for his personal comfort, reflects high credit on Lieutenant Giacobello and furnished an inspiration for the members of his command. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.