The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant John A. Fichter (MCSN: 355501), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 21 September 1950. After a valiant attempt to assault strong, well-camouflaged positions occupied by a numerically superior hostile force, Staff Sergeant Fichter skillfully withdrew his fire team to await supporting tank action. When the tanks arrived, he courageously assumed an exposed position in order to lead them forward and, using tank-infantry telephone communications, directed effective fire on the enemy positions. By his daring initiative and aggressive determination, Staff Sergeant Fichter contributed materially to the successful advance of his company and, by his staunch devotion to duty in the face of heavy odds, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.