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) Joseph R. Wimsatt, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 386th Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division, in action near Broscheid, Germany, on 9 April 1945. Just prior to daybreak on 9 April 1945, while his platoon was the leading element of a rifle company advancing on Broscheid, Germany, Lieutenant Wimsatt, at the head of his troops, discovered an emplaced hostile artillery battery and an armored vehicle to his immediate front. Silently halting the column he skillfully deployed his platoon and supporting guns, and all weapons opened fire simultaneously on his order. Completely surprised, the enemy battery surrendered after a ten minute engagement but the armored vehicle continued to resist until driven off by mortar fire. By his superb control and cool leadership, Lieutenant Wimsatt caused the capture of four artillery pieces, three automatic weapons and approximately two platoons of enemy troops. His gallantry on this occasion reflects high credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.