The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John E. Sturgeon, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 23 February 1945, in Germany. When the advance of his machine gun section was halted by enemy fire coming from houses to the immediate front, Private First Class Sturgeon rushed toward the enemy in the nearest group of houses, firing his automatic weapon at the windows as he advanced. He succeeded in killing two of the enemy and his continued fire allowed one of the machine gun squads to advance to the cover of the building. Then, again firing as he advanced, one Sturgeon assaulted the next building and captured five prisoners. Due to his gallant actions his squad was able to advance without casualties. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Sturgeon, 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.