Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 John William Muza (ASN: 33926545), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations in 1945. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    359th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    90th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 15, 1944

    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 46 (February 25, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant John William Muza (ASN: 33926545), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 15 December 1944. On that date, during action near Pachten, Germany, Sergeant Muza, with an engineer demolition squad, ran three hundred yards across open terrain to a strongly defended enemy pillbox. When the door of the fortification was blown open he charged fearlessly inside and threw several hand grenades at the defending enemy. When his supply of grenades was exhausted, he obtained more, re-entered the pillbox and by his aggressive actions forced the surrender of 125 of the enemy. Later, Sergeant Muza again distinguished himself when he fearlessly led three companies against another fortification and repulsed an enemy counter-attack. Sergeant Muza’s conspicuous heroism, courageous leadership, and loyal devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.