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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph P. McCrone (ASN: 0-1293990), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action at ****, France, on 11 November 1944. In its attack upon the village of **** during a heavy downpour of rain, part of Company A, 137th Infantry Regiment was pinned down by intense enemy fire from houses at the edge of the village to the front of the attacking unit. Lieutenant McCrone, a platoon leader, went forward on personal reconnaissance and determined that the enemy’s main harassing fire emanated from two machine gun emplacements on the left flank. He then returned and moved his platoon over two hundred yards of open, muddy terrain, to attack the enemy from the flank. Protected by the fire of his rifleman, Lieutenant McCrone boldly moved forward and accounted for one of the enemy machine gun emplacements in an inspiring action that led two of his men to silence the second emplacement. Lieutenant McCrone then reorganized his platoon and by means of another flanking movement, entered the village, advantageously placing his men while he again went forward on reconnaissance. As Lieutenant McCrone endeavored to force two Germans from the cellar of a house, he was killed by the fire of an enemy sniper. Lieutenant McCrone’s courage, outstanding leadership, tactical skill, devotion to duty and disregard for personal safety, constitute such gallantry in action as to be in accord with the traditions of the military service.