The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Joseph F. Forestal, Jr. (ASN: 0-1309357), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 27 September 1944, near ****, Holland. First Lieutenant Forestal, with his platoon, stormed, captured and held for two days a hill dominating a vital patch of woods. Although completely surrounded, without food or ammunition and dependent upon enemy weapons for defense, First Lieutenant Forestal inspired the platoon to withstand repeated attempts by the enemy to annihilate them and personally killed twelve of the enemy. Although given up for lost by his battalion, First Lieutenant Forestal, with utter disregard for his own life, moved through his men, encouraging them to keep fighting; then led his small force back through the enemy lines to safety. The gallant actions and extraordinary leadership of First Lieutenant Forestal, at a critical period, were largely responsible for the prevention of the platoon’s destruction or capture by the enemy and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.