John R. Groft

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John R. Groft (33873377), Sergeant [then Private First Class], U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 49th Armored Infantry Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 5 March 1945. Sergeant Groft crawled for more than eight hundred yards under intense enemy machine gun, artillery and mortar fire to lead twelve of his fellow soldiers to safety. He volunteered for this action after witnessing the unsuccessful efforts of others to reach the stranded man. Sergeant Groft’s complete disregard for his own safety and his exemplary conduct under fire reflect greatest credit both upon himself and the Military Forces of the United States.