The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] John A. Maederer (ASN: 36809779), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 3 April 1945, at Wurzburg, Germany. During the fighting in Wurzburg an enemy tank moved up a street and opened fire on the lead platoon of Company E. Realizing the danger confronting his platoon, Private Maederer unhesitatingly took a loaded rocket launcher from a man nearby and headed for the tank. He dashed through the hail of enemy fire to a vantage point and opened fire on the enemy tank, putting it out of action with his first round. By his gallant actions, Private Maederer prevented heavy casualties to his platoon.