The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] John J. Moriarty (ASN: 42092805), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 8 April 1945, in the vicinity of Herbolzheim, Germany. Advancing in the face of direct heavy machine gun fire, Sergeant Moriarty crawled close enough to the enemy position to kill the gunner and drive off the remainder of the crew by using hand grenades. He led his squad into the village, neutralizing enemy fire to the extent that the company was able to advance into the town and drive the enemy from their positions. The courage and gallantry under fire of Sergeant Moriarty reflect high credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.