The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant John W. Nippert (ASN: 33936696), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 January 1945 in France. A strong enemy attack consisting of tanks, flame throwers, and infantry forced a penetration of friendly defense positions in Rittershoffen and caused a slight withdrawal. Realizing the importance of the lost position, Sergeant Nippert and two other men, carrying a case of hand grenades, picked their way through the rubble of buildings. Finding the door of the house which formed the strongpoint of the enemy penetration barred, the three men tore it from its hinges and threw grenade after grenade into the house, killing seven enemy, capturing three, and forcing the others to withdraw. This action enabled friendly troops to re-occupy former positions and prevented the enemy from exploiting the penetration. The courage displayed by Sergeant Nippert reflects highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.