The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Joe A. Maddox (MCSN: 0-16874), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Mariana Islands, from 15 June to 25 July 1944. Pinned down by heavy enemy fire while advancing with several companions to relieve two tank crews whose disabled vehicles were covered by hostile guns in front of our lines on 4 July, First Lieutenant Maddox boldly pushed ahead for another three hundred yards and, despite continuous exposure to Japanese fire, succeeded in reaching his objective and in annihilating numerous snipers in route. By skillfully directing the tank weapons he assisted in the destruction of two enemy fieldpieces and, with his group, effected the rescue of the eight Marines in the two tanks. By his relentless fighting spirit and indomitable courage, First Lieutenant Maddox contributed essentially to the success of a hazardous mission in this strategically important theater of war, and his selfless, unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.