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 E. Kelsoe (ASN: 38686772), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, Germany, from 8 to 10 February 1945. Taken prisoner while serving on a combat patrol, Private Kelsoe, a rifleman, refused to give any information to the Germans and was struck in the face by the interrogating officer. Taking advantage of the resultant confusion, he grabbed a rifle, rendered a guard unconscious, shot the officer, and made his escape. After crawling about four hundred yards, he dame upon a hostile machine gun emplacement, hurled a grenade into it, and destroyed the gun and killed the tree crew members. He reached the American lines after being subjected to two mortar barrages and traversing mine fields, trenches and barbed wire entanglements. Information furnished by Private Kelsoe to his commanders was of great value in ensuing operations. His intrepidity and resourcefulness reflect credit upon his character as a soldier.