The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph Hall (ASN: 0-1824859), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 27 – 28 December 1944, near **** and ****, Belgium. During the period 27 – 28 December 1944, Second Lieutenant Hall, Platoon Leader, Company D, 2d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, volunteered for several hazardous patrol missions against the enemy. As a result of Second Lieutenant Hall’s aggressive action, valuable information concerning enemy strength and the composition of units was gained. On 28 December, Second Lieutenant Hall proceeded with five men to the vicinity of ****, Belgium. He carried with him a mortar tube and twenty rounds of ammunition. Securing a vantage point from which he could overlook the village, Second Lieutenant Hall and his men fired the twenty rounds of 60-mm. mortar shell into the street, amongst a group of the enemy. Severe casualties were observed to have been caused by this fire. Second Lieutenant Hall’s great personal courage, and the manner in which he conducted his patrols, was responsible for inflicting severe losses upon the enemy and was instrumental in disrupting an attack upon this sector. His conduct and gallantry reflect great credit upon himself and upon the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.