The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Lieutenant John W. Mowinckel (MCSN: 0-31017), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for gallantry as a member of the Office of Strategic Services Detachment, THIRD United States Army, in action in Austria. On 3 May 1945, Lieutenant Mowinckel courageously volunteered to infiltrate through enemy lines to establish contact with Russian units in the vicinity of Perg, Austria. Accompanied by two intelligence agents, he fearlessly proceeded through the enemy lines and, although halted and interrogated by German SS personnel, succeeded in continuing his vital mission. The information this intrepid officer obtained concerning the position of the approaching Russian elements and the disposition of enemy troops was an important contribution to the success of tactical operations. Lieutenant Mowinckel’s courageous actions and unswerving devotion to duty war in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.