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 First Class John Catau (ASN: 33906760), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action at ****, Germany, on 9 April 1945. While the remainder of his squad flanked an enemy-held warehouse, Private Catau, aided by a companion, advanced frontally upon the enemy stronghold after throwing hand grenades through its windows. Then with his companion, he entered the main part of the structure, and forced the enemy garrison of twenty-six soldiers to seek refuge in the basement and upper floor, where the enemy were held at bay until the remainder of the squad arrived to assist in the capture of the enemy force. Private Catau’s intrepidity, initiative and tenacity of purpose, denote him an asset to the military service.