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 A. Erndt (ASN: RA-32007599), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 23 September 1950, at Chunghoe, Korea. Serving as a member of an anti-tank and mine platoon, Sergeant Erndt participated in a tank-infantry attack against bitterly defended enemy strongpoints. In the course of the action, the lead tank of the column was disabled by an enemy anti-tank mine. To assure against the recurrence of such a loss, Sergeant Erndt with two other comrades voluntarily advanced well beyond the foremost element of the column searching for enemy mines. Though subjected to intense enemy fire, Sergeant Erndt, with total disregard for his own safety, continued to search for and remove mines. Approaching an enemy roadblock from which poured direct anti-tank fire, Sergeant Erndt under full enemy observation, continued his mission until he fell mortally wounded. His determined devotion to duty enabled his unit to accomplish its mission with a minimum loss of life and equipment. The gallantry and heroic self-sacrifice of Sergeant Erndt reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.