John A. Fichter

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John A. Fichter (355501), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 21 September 1950. During the attack by his company a fire fight developed with a strong enemy force who were occupying well dug in and camouflaged positions. Staff Sergeant Fichter, serving as a Platoon Sergeant, fearlessly and courageously led a fire team in an assault on the enemy positions but was driven back by numerically superior enemy forces. As the fire increased the company sought cover and called for friendly tank support. Staff Sergeant Fichter without regard for his own personal safety, courageously exposed himself and personally led the tanks forward, and by means of the tank-infantry telephone, directed effective tank fire on the enemy positions. By his courageous actions his company was materially aided in being able to move to higher ground and regain the fire superiority and continue the attack. Staff Sergeant Fichter’s display of initiative and heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.