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 W. King (ASN: 33439646), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 34th Infantry Division, in action on 15 July 1944, in the vicinity of Lorenzana, Italy. When the fire power of his platoon was greatly reduced by the loss of an automatic rifleman and ten riflemen due to heavy enemy mortar fire, Sergeant King advanced and captured an enemy machine gun and ammunition intact. When further enemy fire was encountered, he used the weapon to protect the company’s exposed right flank. The Germans counter-attacked and Sergeant King turned the gun on them, causing numerous casualties and confusion among the bewildered enemy troops. The success of the company in repulsing the enemy counter-attack was largely due to the courage and determination displayed by Sergeant King.