(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Major (Coast Artillery Corps) Joseph Hester Ward (ASN: 0-23823), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Executive Officer, 439th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion, 4th Armored Division, in action in Germany, on 5 April 1945. Major Ward destroyed fie enemy vehicles and insured the ultimate destruction of an entire column of enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Ward, 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.