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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph J. Castellano (ASN: 0-1328668), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. Although he was seriously wounded when his company met entrenched enemy troops along a stream bank in the wooded defile of Orioung Pass in the Cagayan Valley on 10 June 1945, Lieutenant Castellano refused medical aid and remained with his platoon. He courageously exposed himself to enemy fire, located the cleverly concealed hostile positions, and personally killed several enemy along the stream bank. While he was maneuvering his men to bring more accurate fire on these positions he was hit again by enemy fire and this time fatally wounded. Lieutenant Castellano’s heroic action in locating and bringing fire on the Japanese positions although wounded, played a large part in the success with which his company destroyed the foe in this area. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.