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 John R. Shaffer, Jr. (ASN 33146465), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa on 31 March 1943. When a concentration of enemy artillery fire delayed his battalion’s advance, Private Schaffer, although under direct fire, remained at his gun and placed accurate counterfire on enemy batteries until mortally wounded by an exploding shell. Throughout this action the courage and determination displayed by Private Shaffer exemplified he highest traditions of the military service.