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 Private John O. Beauchamp, Jr. (ASN: 37525883), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 386th Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division, in action near Witzhelden, Germany, on 16 April 1945. Private Beauchamp was a member of a patrol with a mission of mopping up enemy resistance in a wooded draw. The patrol was suddenly driven to the ground byfire from a hostile machine gun located only 30 yards away. In order to point out the enemy position to his patrol leader, Private Beauchamp bravely raised himself to his knees and fired at the hostile emplacement. While thus exposed and firing at the enemy, Private Beauchamp was killed by a burst from the hostile gun. By reason of this courageous deed the patrol leader was able to accurately locate the enemy gun and subsequently to silence its fire. Private Beauchamp’s gallantry on this occasion reflects high credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.