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) Joseph Palkiewicz (ASN: 6916911), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 24 – 25 December 1944, at ****, Belgium. Private First Class Palkiewicz, BAR Gunner, Company B, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, was a member of a covering force after the main forces had withdrawn when the Germans directed a concentrated artillery and mortar barrage against our positions and launched an attack. Private First Class Palkiewicz allowed a group of the enemy to approach within 20 yards of his position before opening fire. His fire was so effective that enemy dead piled up in front of his position so that it was necessary for Private First Class Palkiewicz to leave his foxhole and drag the fallen enemy aside to clear his field of fire. When a light machine gun on his right was knocked out, Private First Class Palkiewicz occupied its position and fired on its target. Private First Class Palkiewicz occupied its position and fired on its target. Having expended all his ammunition he then withdrew, taking a wounded comrade with him. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.