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 D. Shumway (ASN: 33349721), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 4 October 1944, in Germany. Private First Class Shumway took over a machine gun when the regular gunner became a casualty and held off a large enemy counterattack, which included two tanks and at least thirty enemy infantry, fighting alone for an hour until reinforcements could arrive. Throughout, his position was subjected to direct enemy fire from tanks and from infantrymen. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Shumway, 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.