The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John Russell Sterner, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 25 December 1943. Private First Class Sterner volunteered to go on a patrol whose mission it was to ambush an enemy machinegun crew and destroy the position. Working their way forward, under cover of darkness, the patrol reached the position before the enemy had sent men to occupy it and concealed themselves in the vicinity. Private First Class Sterner volunteered to take a forward position on the exposed terrain facing the most likely avenue of enemy approach, while the other men took cover behind a stone wall. While the patrol was thus waiting the approach of the enemy, a heavy artillery barrage was directed upon their positions. With utter disregard for his own safety, Private First Class Sterner continued to hold his forward position, and while doing so was killed. By his great fortitude and unselfish devotion to duty in voluntarily assuming the most dangerous position, he enable ethe other men of the patrol to return in safety. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Sterner, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.