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 Kuprasch (ASN: 42187500), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 April 1945, in Germany. After Private First Class Kuprasch’s unit had withdrawn across the Elbe River from its unsuccessful bridgehead on the opposite side, it was discovered that a number of men had been left in the town. Volunteering to rescue the men, Private First Class Kuprasch and two companions returned across the river and made their way under constant danger of detection over five hundred yards of open terrain and past numerous enemy positions until they reached the men, whereupon they guided them to safety. Private First Class Kuprasch’s gallant action was responsible for preventing the capture of thirteen of his comrades. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Kuprasch, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.