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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Price Mattfeldt (ASN: 0-25949), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with a military operation against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 387th Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division. On an assault on the city of Egar, Czechoslovakia on 25 April 1945, Lieutenant Mattfeldt, commanding a platoon of machine guns attached to the leading elements of the assault forces, came under heavy enemy fire from two nearby strong points. Putting his gun into operation, Lieutenant Mattfeldt forced the withdrawal of the enemy troops and continued the advance across a ravine in the face of enemy machine gun fire for a distance of 75 yards. He entered the city with the first troops and encountered heavy fire which halted the advance. Fearlessly moving ahead of the riflemen, Lieutenant Mattfeldt placed heavy fire on the enemy while moving down a fire swept street. Deploying his guns at an important intersection Lieutenant Mattfeldt was killed by a sudden burst of fire from concealed enemy positions. His gallantry in this action for which he made the supreme sacrifice reflected great credit upon himself and the armed forces.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    387th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    97th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 14, 1945
    Headquarters, TWELFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 40 (1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Price Mattfeldt (ASN: 0-25949), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 387th Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 14 April 1945. When his machine gun platoon was halted by enemy fire during an assault on Schildgen, Germany, and the section leader and a gunner were killed, Lieutenant Mattfeldt unhesitatingly took over the operation of the gun, and, rallying his men behind him, so effectively fired upon the enemy positions that his riflemen were able to reach a place of safety and reorganize. Seizing a rocket launcher, he then effectively reduced two enemy strongpoints, thus permitting the attack to continue. First Lieutenant Mattfeldt’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 97th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.