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Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Armor) John Nelson Townsend, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 70th Tank Battalion, 6th Armored Group (Separate), attached to the 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Sicily in July and August 1943. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Armor)

    Batallion:

    70th Tank Battalion

    Regiment:

    6th Armored Group (Separate)

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division (Attached)

    Action Date:

    June 23, 1944
    Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 73 (1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Armor) John Nelson Townsend, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 70th Tank Battalion, 6th Armored Group (Separate), attached to the 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Digosville, France, on 23 June 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Armor)

    Batallion:

    70th Tank Battalion

    Regiment:

    6th Armored Group (Separate)

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division (Attached)

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944
    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 35 (July 19, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Armor) John Nelson Townsend, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 70th Tank Battalion, 6th Armored Group (Separate), attached to the 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. Second Lieutenant Townsend’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.