John B. Silva

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John B. Silva, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 29 February 1944, at Ponto Rotto, Italy. During heavy enemy action after his crew of nine was either killed, wounded or injured by falling rubble from rafters, Private First Class Silva single-handedly held an entire Germany Company at bay for almost thirteen hours. During this time he killed approximately thirty of the enemy and wounded an unknown number. Private First Class Silva’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.