The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John A. Skirko (ASN: 16068149), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 30 April 1945, at ****, Germany. Private First Class Skirko displayed great courage when he single-handedly neutralized a 20-mm. gun position which was bringing close range fire upon his company. As first scout, Private First Class Skirko was moving across an open field at the head of his platoon, when a concealed 20-mm. gun opened fire from approximately three hundred yards. Though wounded by the initial burst, he continued to advance in the face of the heavy enemy fire. He reached a position one hundred and fifty yards from the gun emplacement and, firing his automatic rifle with great accuracy, killed the five man crew. Private First Class Skirko’s daring aggressiveness is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Parachute soldier.