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 Sergeant John Henry Bergstrom, Jr. (ASN: 37113722), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Grossau, Germany, on 2 December 1944. Shortly after Sergeant Bergstrom’s company was thrown into the line behind a disorganized unit to reestablish the battalion line, a small patrol was sent out on a reconnaissance mission. Approaching a German pillbox, and hearing voices within, the patrol leader was about to send for aid when Sergeant Bergstrom volunteered to approach the fortification alone. He advanced in a roundabout route to the half-open doorway of the enemy stronghold, flung open the door, and covered the entrance with his rifle. Sergeant Bergstrom ordered the occupants of he pillbox to surrender and the Germans marched out with hands over their heads, followed by 15 captured American Infantrymen, their commanding officer, and a field artillery observer. By his heroic and unhesitating action, Sergeant Bergstrom single-handedly restored to an infantry company its commanding officer and 15 of its men. His gallantry, initiative, and outstanding devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.