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 L. Even (ASN: 36973500), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 7 and 8 March 1945. When Company G was holding positions at the edge of a wooded area north of Forbach, France, an enemy tank moved within 200 yards of the company and opened fire. Private First Class Even left his foxhole and knelt in the open to fire three rockets, which immobilized the tank. The following day under similar circumstances he attacked another tank. In t his heroic action, he was painfully wounded by fragments from the tank shells. His gallantry removed serious threats to his company’s positions.