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 Sverha (ASN: 33829813), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 315th Medical Battalion, 90th Infantry Division in action on 13 July 1944 in the vicinity of Lithaire, France. During an intense enemy barrage, a wounded infantryman lay helpless and exposed to the continued fire. Private Sverha, Assistant Ambulance Driver, voluntarily and at risk of his life, subjected himself to the heavy enemy fire and successfully reached the casualty. While he administered first aid, a nearby Infantry Officer was struck by shrapnel. Though wounded himself, Private Sverha quickly evacuated the wounded man and returned under the continuous enemy fire and evacuated the seriously wounded officer before he accepted medical treatment. His gallantry was in accordance with high military tradition.