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 Corporal John Durst (ASN: 32765133), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 23 June 1944, at ****, France. Corporal Durst was leading a combat patrol into town when it was trapped by a numerically superior enemy force. He led the group to the temporary shelter of a large monument and set up defensive positions. Realizing that for the patrol to remain there meant capture or annihilation, Corporal Durst, disregarding his own safety and with great heroism, deliberately crossed the road in full view of the enemy. This courageous action drew the full attention and fire of the enemy to him while the balance of the patrol made their escape. Corporal Durst was killed while following this course of action. His courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.