The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph D. Theall (ASN: 0-1017072), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Mountain Province, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 17 April 1945. When enemy fire seriously wounded two men, First Lieutenant Theall crawled forward alone, and under withering machine gun and rifle fire attempted to move them to a place of safety. Unsuccessful in this attempt, he withdrew, secured assistance, and returned to the wounded men. There, by heroic effort and under conditions of extreme hazard, First Lieutenant Theall succeeded in removing packs, belts, and rifles which impeded the handling of the helpless casualties, rolled them on stretchers which were pushed forward to him, and made possible the evacuation of both of the wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Theall, 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.