The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) John H. Gruver (ASN: 0-212127), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the II Corps, in action against the enemy. On the morning of ** February 1943, in the vicinity of ***, Major Gruver displaying unusual courage and attention to duty, returned to an area apparently evacuated by friendly troops and undergoing heavy enemy artillery fire, to assure himself that a battery under his command had been completely evacuated. Arriving at the battery’s location, he completed the destruction of two 90-mm Antiaircraft Guns and one prime mover while under direct enemy observation and artillery fire, rendering the equipment useless to the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Gruver, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.