The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant John C. Grebe (ASN: 33188965), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 16 February 1945. While his squad was searching the east half of a building, Staff Sergeant Grebe took a position in the corridor of the west section of the building to protect them from a surprise attack. Two Japanese stole into a kitchen from the basement, and threw two concussion grenades which landed near Staff Sergeant Grebe’s foot. He crossed the corridor before the grenades exploded and entered the dining room from which he could return their fire. Two more enemy appeared at the other end of the corridor and also hurled two concussion grenades, which exploded outside the dining room about five feet from Staff Sergeant Grebe. He stepped into the hall and fired at the enemy, wounding one and causing them both to withdraw. At this time the two Japanese who were in the kitchen hurled two more grenades at him, but these failed to explode. Staff Sergeant Grebe then entered the kitchen and killed both of the Japanese. Single-handedly he defended the west end of the building, and through his courage, coolness, and aggressiveness in the face of grave danger, made possible the successful completion of his squad’s mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Grebe, 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.