The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Joe A. Rawls (ASN: 0-1317597), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, in action on 9 February 1945, near Fohternach, Luxembourg. Lieutenant Rawls, a platoon leader, was in charge of a carrying party given the mission of taking a radio to a force on the far shore of the Sauer River which had been severed from communications for over twenty-four hours. Procuring an assault boat, Lieutenant Rawls’ party encountered heavy enemy fire, but heedless of the great danger, he successfully accomplished the crossing and established communications. When ordered to attack an enemy emplacement, Lieutenant Rawls led his men in the destruction of the enemy strongpoint. His courageous actions and leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.