Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    180th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 20, 1945

    Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 185 (May 30, 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 John I. Stivason (ASN: 33037573), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company E, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action on 20 April 1945, near Nurnberg, Germany. After personnel from a friendly unit had been unsuccessful clearing out an enemy-held tunnel due to heavy enemy small arms fire and hand grenades, Private First Class John W. Dunn, Jr. and Private John I. Stivason volunteered to enter the tunnel and attempt to clear it of the enemy. They felt their way along the walls in the dark until they came to a locked door. Firing a rifle grenade, they broke down the door, wounded several enemy personnel, and in the resulting confusion, captured the enemy that remained in the room. Then, using the captured enemy as a guide, they persuaded others in the tunnel to come out of hiding, resulting in the capture of fifty more. The daring courage displayed by Private First Class Dunn and Private Stivason so demoralized the remaining enemy in the tunnel, that shortly thereafter two hundred more were induced to surrender. Private First Class Dunn’s and Private Stivason’s brave actions reflect credit upon themselves and their organization.