The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Joseph D. Howe (ASN: 32826244), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 17 April 1945, in the vicinity of Ensheim, Germany. During an attack on enemy strongpoints, Staff Sergeant Howe, a squad leader, charged an enemy emplacement in the face of heavy small arms fire. He killed three of the enemy, and forced the surrender of several more. Following this action, Sergeant Howe aggressively led his squad forward to continue, and was killed in the performance of his duty. The outstanding courage and leadership displayed by Sergeant Howe enabled the company to accomplish its mission and was in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.