The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Corporal] John D. Rill (ASN: 33850774), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 26 February 1945, in Germany. After their machine gun platoon had established a roadblock, Sergeant Rill and a comrade set out to contact nearby rifle platoons to report their platoon’s position. While investigating a cellar in their search for the command post they discovered several enemy soldiers. After ordering them to come out, Sergeant Rill fired several rounds and then entered the cellar. Five of the enemy surrendered and after turning them over to friendly rifle troops, Sergeant Rill and his comrade returned and made a thorough search of the buildings, during which they wounded two more of the enemy and forced six more to surrender. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Rill, 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.