The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John DeCorpo (ASN: 35058636), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 46th Field Artillery Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 5 December 1944, near Ludweiller, Germany. When the infantry company, to which he was attached with a forward observation party, suffered very heavy casualties and the party was separated, Private DeCorpo, a radio operator, without thought for personal safety continued to the objective, leading the remainder of the party and assisting wounded infantrymen on. Private DeCorpo was mortally wounded by mortar fragments as he reached the objective with the leading infantry elements. His courage under fire and disregard for his own safety in the face of extreme danger was inspiring to his comrades and reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.