The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John D. Van Winkle (ASN: 38562350), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 8 April 1945, in the vicinity of Sindeldorf, Germany. During his company’s attack on a woods west of Sindeldorf, the squad to which Private First Class Van Winkle was assigned was pinned to the ground by intense enemy fire. On his own initiative, Private First Class Van Winkle advanced within forty yards of an enemy machine pistol position and with his automatic rifle knocked out the position and also neutralized an enemy machine gun position, thus enabling his platoon to advance. At the conclusion of this heroic action Private First Class Van Winkle was killed by sniper fire. The intrepidity with which Private First Class Van Winkle performed this gallant act was an inspiration to all who witnessed it, and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.