The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] Joseph G. Gonzales (ASN: 12036464), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 7 December 1944. The platoon of which Staff Sergeant Gonzales was a member was caught in an ambush by a superior number of the enemy. Three members of the platoon were killed and orders were issued to withdraw. Staff Sergeant Gonzales refused to leave his position because he realized it would leave the platoon’s flank exposed. So sudden and unexpected had been the enemy attack that the machine gun team for the squad had no time to set up the gun and tripod. Without regard for his safety, Staff Sergeant Gonzales crawled under constant fire to the machine gun, after recovering the tripod, and placed the weapon in action. His accurate fire accounted for one sniper who had caused several casualties. Staff Sergeant Gonzales remained at his position and laid down a protecting fire which enabled his comrades to safely evacuate the wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] Gonzales, 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.