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 John Pelka (ASN: 33168884), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 68th Tank Battalion, 6th Armored Division, in the vicinity of Kefferhausen, Germany, on 7 April 1945. As a tank commander, leading the point of an advance guard, he encountered a friendly reconnaissance element which had been ambushed. With complete disregard for heavy bazooka and small arms fire, he directed his tank section so as to knock out a machine gun and several riflemen relieving the pressure on those ambushed. His great gallantry, outstanding leadership and coolness reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.