The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Seaman First Class John C. Scheuerman, United States Coast Guard (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving aboard the U.S.S. LCI (L) 319 during the amphibious invasion of Italy, on 9 September 943. Observing an enemy fighter plane diving in for a strafing attack as his vessel approached the assault beached in the Gulf of Salerno, Seaman first Class Scheuerman unhesitatingly manned his battle station at an exposed anti-aircraft gun and with cool courage exerted every effort to direct accurate gunfire against the plane. Although mortally wounded before he could deliver effective fire he remained steadfast at his post in the face of imminent death, thereby contributing materially to the protection his ship against further attack.