The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) John Andrew Szilvasy, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a chaplain with the 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Shortly before dawn, on 14 March 1967, the forward fire support base of the 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, came under and extremely heavy enemy mortar attack. A large number of personnel were wounded during the mortar barrage. Unhesitatingly Captain Szilvasy left the safety of his bunker to assist in the treatment and evacuation of the wounded. Throughout the mortar attack the inspiring figure of Captain Szilvasy was seen moving about the perimeter. Coming upon a seriously wounded man and unable to move him due to the severity of the wound, Captain Szilvasy remained with him while the attack continued. Offering the ultimate in personal sacrifice, he used his own body to shield the wounded man from the deadly mortar fragments which filled the air. When the injured man ceased to breathe, Captain Szilvasy administered mouth to mouth resuscitation, which kept the soldier alive until he could be safely evacuated. Captain Szilvasy’s extraordinary heroism and devotion attest to his unimpeachable character and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.