The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Jack A. Fitzwater (ASN: 18086824), United States Army, for gallantry in action in northern France while serving with the 344th Field Artillery Battalion, 90th Infantry Division. On 4 July 1944 when his battalion was supporting the advance of the infantry south of ***, France, it came under heavy and continuous enemy mortar fire. The forward observer established an observation post at a favorable position. This position was immediately taken under heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire and as a result, the communication wire was cut in many places. Corporal Fitzwater, realizing the importance of the situation, left his foxhole and rather than undertake to repair the numerous breaks, rapidly established a new line in a zone under continuous enemy fire and while other troops were in their dug in positions and receiving casualties. After the wire was laid, it was again cut and Corporal Fitzwater again proceeded to make repairs. A companion with him was killed. Fragments tore holes in the field jacket and his fatigue trousers but he continued on his mission until the repair was made in the communications restored thereby greatly assisting the resumption of fire on the areas from which the mortar fire was coming until the infantry accomplished their mission.