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 Hodin (ASN: 13122298), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery C, 9th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division. On 25 September 1944, at Maxonschamp, France, Private First Class Hodin went forward with his observation party to give artillery support to infantry forces which were engaged in a fierce fire fight. After completing one successful fire mission Private First Class Hodin’s radio went dead just as more fire missions were requested by the infantry. Acting without orders he alternately crawled and ran 1,00 yards across an open field under heavy enemy artillery, mortar, and small arms fire, although at least 12 shells burst scarcely 25 yards away, in order to get another radio. Without hesitation he returned over the same exposed route carrying the heavy set as the alerted enemy singled him out and concentrated heavy fire upon him. By his daring and willingness to sacrifice himself Private First Class Hodin enabled heavy artillery fire to be adjusted once again on the enemy and aided the infantry immeasurably in capturing the fiercely contested town. 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.