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 J. Hayes (ASN: 0-2001748), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action on 26 April 1945, in Italy. As Lieutenant Hayes’ platoon moved into the rear of another platoon which was pinned down, Lieutenant Hayes quickly grasped the situation and, calling for six men to follow him, set out through the intense machine gun and mortar fire. After crossing a road under enemy observation and covered by enemy machine guns, the patrol ran into barbed wire. Lieutenant Hayes cut the wire and continued on across an open field to clear a church of machine gunners. Swinging to the right, the patrol crossed another street, attacking and clearing two houses, killing two and capturing seven of the enemy. The patrol then advanced to another group of houses and under the inspired leadership of Lieutenant Hayes again successfully engaged the enemy, killing five, wounding three, and capturing twenty-five of the enemy. Although Lieutenant Hayes was twice wounded, once across the mouth and once in the back, he led his men into another building, capturing eight prisoners and driving twenty enemy into an adjoining unit which captured them. Lieutenant Hayes’ courage and brilliant leadership enabled his company to take its objective and his actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.