The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant [then Private First Class] John DeRitter, Jr. (ASN: 42142785), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Hamich, Germany, on 22 November 1944. When his unit’s position was subjected to an intense artillery, mortar, and small arms barrage from a numerically superior enemy infantry force, Sergeant DeRitter with utter disregard for personal safety, courageously crossed perilous terrain and guided friendly armor to the area. Then, he directed accurate fire, inflicted severe casualties and routed the foe, thereby aiding immeasurably in his organization’s seizure of an important objective. His heroic actions and outstanding initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.