Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    411th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    103d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 15, 1945

    Headquarters, 103d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 156 (May 31, 1945)

    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 H. Steppling (ASN: 39149705), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 411th Infantry Regiment, 103d Infantry Division. On 15 March 1945 as Company L was advancing on the town of Muhlhausen, France, it encountered severe enemy resistance. Private Steppling observed his squad leader fall wounded and exposed to harassing enemy fire. Without hesitation, he left his place of cover and amid intense enemy fire crawled in the direction of his wounded squad leader. A wire fence separated him from his comrade but despite the severity of ht enemy fire that raked his position, Private Steppling cut a hole in the face, reached his wounded leader and carried him to safety. 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.