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 V. Starzynski (ASN: 20230473), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 92d Infantry Division, in action on 16 April 1945, in Italy. At about 0700, Private Starzynski, Medical Aidman, was called to the aid of an engineer mine sweeper who had been hit by an enemy sniper. Private Starzynski was forced to administer medical aid to this man under intense shell, mortar and small arms fire. While at this position the tanks and infantry were forced to withdraw to a rear area, because of the condition of the terrain. Private Starzynski was forced to drag his patient to a nearby ditch for cover. Unable to withdraw from the narrow space between enemy and friendly troops, he stayed with his patient for 24 hours. Such devotion to a wounded comrade, without thought for his own personal safety, and his cool clear thinking in the face of impending dangers is worthy of praise and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Medical Corps.