Joseph A. Crouch

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Joseph A. Crouch (34173788), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Troina, Sicily, on 6 August 1943. During a bitterly contested engagement with the enemy, Private First Class Crouch, despite intense hostile mortar and small-arms fire, emplaced his machine gun in the most advantageous position and directed most effective fire on advancing enemy troops. His heroic actions materially aided his company in accomplishing its mission and in capturing enemy personnel and material.