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 John T. Mita (ASN: 30106393), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, 92d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 23 April 1945, in Italy. Private First Class Mita was first scout during his company’s attack on San Terenzo. As his squad moved up the hill leading to the village square, enemy machine gun and sniper fire pinned it down in a narrow street. Private First Class Mita, in a covered spot, knew that he was the only one who could maneuver. Although his hand grenades were spent, he crawled around to the flank of the machine gun nest. When he had advanced near enough, he dashed from cover and jumped into the machine gun nest. With the enemy caught by surprise, Private First Class Mita killed the gunner with his submachine gun at point blank range. His platoon was then able to advance and in a few minutes ninety-six enemy soldiers were captured. Private First Class Mita’s exemplary fighting spirit exemplifies the heroic gallantry of the American Soldier.