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 Joseph P. Kaminski (ASN: 35312767), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 16 March 1945 in Germany. During an attack on Wieskirchen, Germany, on 16 March 1945, medical evacuation had been impossible due to enemy direct fire and observation. Voluntarily, Private Kaminski accompanied an ambulance into the town and in the face of enemy small arms fire, which often necessitated infantry protective fire in return, successfully evacuated many badly wounded men. Private Kaminski made several trips into the town under extremely dangerous conditions and many men owe their lives to his bravery. The courage, skill, and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by Private Kaminski were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.