John A. Ferrera

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John A. Ferrera (32811351), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company D, 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 24 February 1945, near Alsting, France. Sergeant Ferrera was in a charge of a heavy machine gun section during a strong enemy counter attack. Continuously exposing himself to enemy fire, he moved from one gun position to another, keeping his machine guns in action even after supporting riflemen had withdrawn. Though he was wounded in the action, his section killed twenty-five of the enemy and, against overwhelming odds, prevented a breakthrough. His gallant behavior throughout the engagement was a source of great inspiration and encouragement to his men.