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 Joseph H. Grimes, Jr. (ASN: 33734803), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action at ****, France, 30 September 1944. A stubborn enemy, by means of heavy fire of all types, attempted to prevent Company F, 2d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment from entering the village of ****. Despite the strong opposition, Company F entered the village. Street and hand-to-hand fighting ensued. Sergeant Grimes, a squad leader, led his squad into the town in the face of the heavy enemy fire. Although his squad had suffered casualties, Sergeant Grimes remained at its head at all times, and by his personal action, imbued his men with the zeal to succeed in their mission, regardless of obstacles. Under his outstanding leadership and forcefulness, his squad succeeded in the inspiring capture of a strategic enemy position. Sergeant Grimes personally killed six of the enemy and captured twenty prisoners. His gallant actions make him a credit to the military service.