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 Private First Class John R. Weigel (ASN: 20710668), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 164th Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 22 November 1942. When intense enemy action forced his company to withdraw a short distance and reorganize its lines, Private First Class Weigel volunteered to remain behind and protect his comrades by covering Japanese pillboxes with automatic-rifle fire. Although in this position he was exposed to enemy machine guns and rifle fire, he held his ground and fired relentlessly at the pillboxes. His courage and determined resistance prevented many casualties and made it possible for the company to carry out its tactical maneuver in an orderly manner. During this action Private First Class Weigel lost his life while attempting to rejoin his unit. His gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.