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 Sergeant John A. Pepper (ASN: 18109337), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the Japanese forces at Lupao, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 4 February 1945. During an attack of an infantry company against three enemy tanks and an undetermined number of riflemen, one of the assault platoons, having lost its leader, became badly disorganized when one of the enemy tanks suddenly broke from cover and escaped through their lines. In an attempt to reorganize them, the company First Sergeant was mortally wounded and lay exposed to machine gun fire continuously spraying the area. Fully cognizant of the dangers involved and with disregard for personal safety, Sergeant Pepper without hesitation left his place of safety and crawled 25 yards across open rice paddies to the wounded man’s side and while attempting to drag him to cover was killed by a direct hit from a 47-mm. shell. Sergeant Pepper’s gallant action and unselfish devotion to duty greatly inspired all who witnessed his act and was in accordance with the highest traditions of the military service.