Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    351st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    88th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 25, 1944

    Headquarters, 88th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 55 (May 14, 1945)

    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 Sergeant John F. Van Bergen (ASN: 32387524), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 25 September 1944, while serving with Company C, 351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Castel del Rio, Italy. As Company C had sustained heavy casualties the previous day, Sergeant Van Bergen took charge of the lead platoon. The company was suddenly subjected to strong enemy automatic fire which caused many casualties and cut off Sergeant Van Bergen’s platoon from the remainder of the company. As Sergeant Van Bergen moved around comforting his men and reorganizing his platoon, he noticed a patrol of Germans coming over the crest of the hill. Seizing a BAR from one of his wounded men, Sergeant Van Bergen opened fire with devastating effect, killing three and routing the remaining Germans into retreat. Sergeant Van Bergen then saw a friendly patrol approaching along the river bank. Before he could notify them, a number of Germans came from behind and attacked the patrol. Ordering his men to cover him, Sergeant Van Bergen made his way to the spot where he had last seen the relief patrol. He made contact learning that his officer was wounded and lying in a ditch some distance away. Sergeant Van Bergen proceeded to the spot just in time to see a German rifleman standing over the ditch preparing to fire his rifle. Sergeant Van Bergen shot and killed the German soldier. He then brought the wounded officer and the patrol to the remainder of his platoon. Supervising the removal of the wounded, an unexpected enemy artillery barrage crashed into the immediate area, killing him instantly. Sergeant Van Bergen’s gallantry, devotion to duty and determination was an inspiration to all who witnessed the action, and are in keeping with the fighting traditions of the armed forces.