The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] John A. Tate (ASN: 0-553437), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 255th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 20 January 1945, in the vicinity of Hottwiller, France. When Lieutenant Tate was leading a patrol on a mission to gain information on enemy positions, he encountered intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire, together with hand grenades thrown by the enemy. Lieutenant Tate, without regard for personal safety, advanced within 15 yards of an enemy trench and used hand grenades to neutralize the enemy position. He and his lead scouts then laid down a covering fire, enabling his men to withdraw. When the enemy attempted to physically pursue the patrol, Lieutenant Tate remained behind alone to fire upon them, enabling his patrol to withdraw to safety. The magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire Lieutenant Tate reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.