The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] John F. Vonada (ASN: 33504844), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 16 March 1945 in Germany. During the fierce fighting for Weiskirchen, Germany, on 16 March 1945, Technical Sergeant Vonada was assigned to lead his squad against a strongly defended church. Moving across an open lot, they were fired on by a machine gun and after taking cover Technical Sergeant Vonada located the position and alone moved to destroy it. Working from house to house he reached a point from which he fired a grenade, destroying both gun and crew. Observing another gun, he also destroyed it and then returned to successfully lead his squad on its mission. Technical Sergeant Vonada’s courage, aggressiveness, and leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.