(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Joseph L. Gude (ASN: 0-36138), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 4th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations in 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Gude, 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Joseph L. Gude (ASN: 0-36138), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 4th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, in 1944 and 1945. Captain Gude was in command of his rifle company as it jumped off in an attack against a German force which was defending from heavily fortified positions in a thickly wooded area. The company’s advance was retarded by German artillery, mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire, delivered from positions which were difficult to detect because of the denseness of the forest. As the company fought it way steadily forward against suborn resistance, Captain Gude moved through fire-swept terrain to maintain control over the fire and movement of his men. In leading one thrust, he was seriously wounded and, although suffering extreme pain, he remained with his men and continued to direct the advance. He personally entered the final; fie fight in which his company gained definite fire superiority after seven hours of intense fighting. Captain Gude’s determined efforts maintained a coordinated attach which ended with the successful achievement of the company’s objective. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Gude, 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.