John P. Bodnar’s Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

SERGEANT JOHN P. BODNAR,
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Marine Detachment, American Embassy, London, England, in the performance of Specialized Duties in enemy-controlled territory, and subsequently as a Prisoner of War of the German Government, from 1 August 1944 to 27 April 1945.After parachuting into southeastern France, Sergeant Bodnar participated in numerous dangerous reconnaissances, the last of which he unselfishly agreed in order to spare the townspeople of Centron from German reprisals. Subsequently imprisoned and subjected to numerous interrogations, Sergeant Bodnar refused to divulge information. His heroic conduct and unwavering devotion to duty throughout an extremely hazardous and important mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
John L. Sullivan
Secretary of the Navy.