(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: John R. Soyke, United States Army, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) John R. Soyke (ASN: 0-1307583), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of ****, Italy, on 21 January 1944. Leading his platoon over heavily mined terrain through an intense concentration of enemy artillery, mortar, and machine gun fire, Second Lieutenant Soyke constantly exposed himself to the hazardous fire in moving among his men and encouraging them for the dangerous crossing of the bitterly defended **** River. When one of the boats overturned while being launched, he courageously jumped in to the treacherous waters to save two men who were unable to reach the shore. When his boat was hit by shrapnel and sunk, First Lieutenant Soyke saw a soldier disappear under the water and he immediately swam to the spot and rescued him. Upon gaining the hostile shore he reorganized his men despite the tremendous fire to which the area was subjected, and then daringly led a fierce assault against the enemy positions. Though wounded he advanced to a point from which he could direct mortar fire against the enemy nests, and refused to be evacuated until the emplacements had been destroyed. His aggressive leadership and exemplary devotion to duty inspired his men to successfully accomplish their objective. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Soyke, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.