The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Joseph Civitello (ASN: 31280844), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 11 January 1945, in Luxembourg. During an attack on the town of Machtum, Technician Fifth Grade Civitello’s platoon was relieved but Technician Fifth Grade Civitello continued in the assault with the new platoon. After the town had been cleared except for two buildings, the Platoon Leader and five other men started an assault on the first building failing to see a machine gun set up at the corner of the second building. Technician Fifth Grade Civitello shouted a warning that caused the others to drop to the ground; and although in the direct line of fire of the gun, he remained standing and demolished the gun with a hand grenade. His heroic action resulted in the saving of at least six lives and resulted in the surrender of thirteen prisoners which finished the fight. Technician Fifth Grade Civitello’s courage and daring reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.