The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade John Ronketto, Jr. (ASN: 364489594), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 15 March 1945, while serving with Company A, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division in France. During an attack against strong enemy defenses, the lead scout stepped on a mine and was very severely wounded. Completely disregarding his own safety Technician Fifth Grade Ronketto swiftly worked his way across the mined area and started carrying the casualty back to safety. Two snipers began firing at him, but Technician Fifth Grade Ronketto did not hesitate until he had placed his injured comrade in a covered position. Then, returning to the spot where the snipers were hiding, he swiftly opened fire with his automatic rifle and killed them both. By his bold and gallant actions, he saved the life of a wounded soldier and eliminated a threat to the safety of his unit.