The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John B. Haywood, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the II Corps on the FIFTH Army front in Italy during World War II. After neutralizing one enemy self-propelled gun, Lieutenant Haywood dismounted from his tank destroyer and reconnoitered for other suspected enemy positions. From a hill he discovered two enemy anti-tank positions so situated that fire from h is own destroyers would result in counter-battery fire directly over his own exposed location. Despite this hazard, Lieutenant Haywood called for fire and succeeded in destroying the enemy positions. Although seriously wounded in the exchange of fire, Lieutenant Haywood continued his mission, until destruction was complete. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.