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 E. Reitsma, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 260th Infantry Regiment, 65th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy as Saarlantern, Austria, during the period from 7 to 17 March 1945. Private Reitsma volunteered on seven different nights to accompany patrols, infiltrating behind enemy lines to gather valuable information on strength of troops and locations of guns, pillboxes and observation posts. These missions were fraught with many dangers as the enemy was dug in behind concrete fortifications and had guns strategically placed to sweep all open ground. In addition, the patrols had to cross areas heavily mined. One night Private Reitsma was a member of a patrol that was surprised by fire from an unknown machine gun bunker. The men scattered and took protection behind any available structure. Quickly rising up on one knee, Private Reitsma threw a white phosphorous grenade into the aperture and destroyed the bunker. Before moving on, he informed the patrol leader of still another bunker, which the group skirted, so as not to be pinned down again. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.