The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joseph C. Hidalgo (MCSN: 458121), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Stretcher Bearer of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 9 May 1945. Despite severe cross fire while carrying out his duties in a valley covered by hostile fire on three sides, Private First Class Hidalgo courageously organized stretcher teams from his own and adjacent units and, assuming the responsibility of evacuating his wounded comrades ably directed the removal of over thirty men found on the battlefield. By his valor and self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.