The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Joseph J. Wagner (MCSN: 801044), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of a village on New Britain on December 30, 1943. Although a comrade had just been killed in the performance of the identical mission, Private Wagner unhesitatingly crossed an open space swept by Japanese fire and carried several belts of machine gun ammunition to his gunnery sergeant at a critical point in the battle. Gallantly remaining with his gunner sergeant to man the machine gun, Private Wagner was largely responsible in repulsing the enemy attack. His personal valor and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.