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 John J. Lukatch (ASN: 33058962), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, in August 1943. Private Lukatch was crossing the **** River to find a route for the rest of the patrol to follow. Half way across he and another man with him were fired on by enemy machine pistols, rifles, machine guns, knee mortars, and rifle grenades. Despite this and his inability to swim, he continued on through the chest-deep water and remained exposed to this fire for one hour while he secured information which saved many lives in the attack the next night. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Lukatch, 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.