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 First Class John P. Curtis (ASN: 34972612), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 17 April 1945, in Germany. Private First Class Curtis, acting squad leader, and his comrades were surrounded in a house near an enemy roadblock. The enemy called on Private First Class Curtis to surrender but his answer to their demands was rifle fire and grenades. Knowing there was no avenue of escape he held his position for five hours until help arrived from his platoon and the situation was relieved. By his extraordinary bravery and initiative in holding out against the enemy in the face of overwhelming odds, Private First Class Curtis reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.