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 John Curtan (ASN: 37709395), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. When his platoon was suddenly fired upon by enemy machine guns and rifles from a nearby building during a mopping-up action in Manila on 4 February 1945, Private Curtan, an assistant rocket launcher operator, moved to within 50 yards of the enemy position with his rocket launcher operator. Completely exposed to enemy fire, they proceeded to effectively fire six rockets into the window in which the machine gun was emplaced. During the action Private Curtan alertly killed an enemy who had slipped up on the team. Later, when the building was entered, eight Japanese were found dead near a destroyed machine gun. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.