The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Joseph J. Kohout (ASN: 0-268794), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Service Company, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily in 1943. During an encounter with numerically superior enemy forces, Captain Kohout, temporarily in charge of a command post, skillfully held our fighting elements together, despite threatened encirclement, until well after dark when it was possible to establish a more tenable position. Captain Kohout’s coolness and keen judgment under adverse conditions merit the highest praise. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.