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 Raymond Firth (ASN: 6145835), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery A, 7th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa in November 1943. When his forward observer post was subjected to very heavy artillery and mortar fire in preparation for an enemy counterattack, Sergeant Firth left his position of comparative safety and moved forward to better, though more exposed positions, from which he directed the sustained fire of his battery. This courageous and skillful action contributed materially to the destruction of the counterattack. Staff Sergeant Firth’s 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.