(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Staff Sergeant John Chunko (ASN: 36453147), United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company I, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division during World War II. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant John Chunko (ASN: 36453147), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action on 4 October 1944 in Italy. After seizing the strategic summit of Mt. Venere, Sergeant Chunko’s company continued on over the forward slope where they were brought under exceptionally heavy fire by all types of enemy weapons. Sergeant Chunko immediately set up his machine gun in preparation for an enemy counterattack. The enemy then launched two strong counter-attacks preceded by fierce artillery and mortar barrages. In spite of the intense fire, Sergeant Chunko remained at his position and held his fire until the enemy approached within close range. He then opened fire, killing eight of the enemy and wounding several others. On the second attempt to break our line, Sergeant Chunko again held his fire until the most opportune time and killed three Germans and wounded several. When the enemy ceased to counter-attack, Sergeant Chunko turned his machine gun over to another gunner and crawled out over the fire-swept terrain and knocked out another enemy machine gun, wounding one man and forcing another to withdraw. Sergeant Chunko remained in enemy territory for over two hours hilling at leas five more Germans. Sergeant Chunko’s courage and aggressiveness was a material aid in stopping two counterattacks and inflicting heavy losses on the enemy, and reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.