The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joseph F. Bartoul (ASN: RA-15458001), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 20 and 21 February 1953 in the vicinity of Maeng-dong, North Korea. On those dates Private Bartoul was a member of a reconnaissance patrol, whose mission was to determine if the Sami-chon river was fordable. As the patrol was emerging from a mine field, through which they had to travel single file, they were suddenly fired upon by an enemy ambush. The patrol leader, realizing that to try and withdraw by the route they had previously taken would be disastrous, as the enemy had zeroed their automatic weapons upon it, directed his men to the best possible positions of defense. Private Bartoul, selecting an exposed position, delivered a relentless stream of fire into the enemy ranks, inflicting heavy casualties upon them. As the fire fight progressed, Private Bartoul received wounds that momentarily dazed him and a Chinese soldier, noticing the wounded man, advanced upon him with the intentions of taking him prisoner. As he drew closer, however, Private Bartoul rallied and after killing his would be captor, continued to deliver a deadly line of fire into the ranks of the enemy until he collapsed from loss of blood. Due to his outstanding courage, superior skill, and disregard for his own wounds, the men of the patrol were inspired to continue the fight in spite of a numerically superior enemy until aid arrived. The gallantry and selfless devotion to duty exhibited by Private Bartoul reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.