The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) John N. Pease (ASN: 0-410565), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 6 April 1945, near ****, Germany. When Company A was subjected to a fierce enemy counter-attack of approximate battalion strength, supported by two tanks, Captain Pease, Commanding, left the Command Post and toured each of the Company’s three platoon defense sectors under a barrage of direct tank fire, small arms and machine gun fire. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Pease exhorted and personally directed his men in repulsing this determined attack. In a second attack, two tanks succeeded in infiltrating to within twenty five yards of the Company Command Post. Captain Pease took a leading part in destroying one of these tanks. Throughout this entire engagement his cool, intelligent and courageous leadership and his unflinching and skillful handling of his Company effected the frustration of every enemy effort to annihilate it. The actions of Captain Pease were an inspiration to his entire Command, and reflect the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.