Query for last record before certain date?

[Ravenous]

I have a table with three columns as so: username (varchar32), punch_type (enum), and punch_date_time (timestamp). Given a date, how can I extract the last punch before a given timestamp for each user? More specifically, I'm building a new timeclock system for my employer. Given a date, I need to know the last action on the timeclock for each user that occurred before the start of the new pay period.

I have something functional but it requires logic in the script and multiple queries to make it happen. Since all of the requisite information is in the database, I don't see why I shouldn't be able to extract thei nformation I'm looking for in one query. If it helps, I have another table of employee usernames that I might be able to use in a join of some sort to isolate these timeclock records.

[devinemke]

SELECT *, MAX(punch_date_time) as max FROM table WHERE DATE(max) = '$date' GROUP BY username

you should really consider using an integer type field as the primary key, especially if you intend to relate this table to other tables.

[Ravenous]

Yeah... The primary key is an autoincrementing field. I just left it out here to simplify the information presented here. Thanks.