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 S. Petras (ASN: RA-16249742), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 September 1950 in the vicinity of Tung-pungio, Korea. The platoon of which Sergeant Petras was a member was on patrol when it was ambushed and pinned down by a numerically superior enemy force. Realizing the danger of being surrounded, Sergeant Petras advanced on the enemy machine gun nest, throwing hand grenades and firing his rifle. Though seriously wounded he managed to throw a hand grenade with deadly accuracy, destroying the machine gun and its crew. The patrol was able to advance on the enemy and inflict heavy casualties. Sergeant Petras died from his wounds. The courageous and gallant actions dis-played by Sergeant Petras reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.