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. McGrath, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a medical aidman, in action in Italy on 29 January 1944. Private First Class McGrath, after carrying eight casualties to positions of cover, remained exposed for 16 hours rendering first aid, despite the continual hostile shell fire that killed 15 men and isolated the remainder of a 100-man group, near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy. When the beleaguered forces suffered five more casualties as it broke through the enemy positions, he braved the fire to two machine guns to treat the wounded before rejoining the surviving group of 33 men which reached friendly lines. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.