The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private John T. Chvojka (MCSN: 982518), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a machine gunner serving with Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 21 May 1945. While defending a platoon position, Private Chvojka saw a small force of the enemy infiltrating through the lines and rather than shoot toward them and the rear of his own platoon, armed himself with a rifle and grenades left his foxhole and fearlessly went in search of them. Upon finding the enemy he killed all of them in close combat. While returning to his position he daringly engaged a group of Japanese troops setting up an automatic weapon and fighting gallantly against fierce opposition succeeded in destroying five of them. His cool courage and heroic aggressiveness reflect the highest credit upon Private Chvojka and the United States Naval Service.