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 First Class John E. Vernon (ASN: 39463210), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 15 March 1945, near Althorn, France. When an enemy patrol infiltrated our lines near Althorn, France, through an unguarded opening, Private Vernon immediately tried to warn nearby riflemen of the threat. Unable to attract his comrades’ attention because of the continuous mortar and small arms fire, he advanced toward the enemy group, firing his weapon and yelling loudly as possible. The enemy patrol immediately directed a heavy volume of fire in his direction, fatally wounding him. Private Vernon’s courageous self-sacrifice enabled his fellow soldiers to organize and completely repulse the enemy forces.