The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant John F. McGlynn, Jr. (ASN: 18114606), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 90th Signal Company, 90th Infantry Division in action on 11 November 1944 in the vicinity of Malling, France. While attached to the 359th Infantry Regiment to assist in stringing communications cable across the Moselle River, Staff Sergeant McGlynn, Assistant Wire Chief, at risk of his life, worked in the icy water along the mined banks. Three times the cables were cut by enemy fire or swept away by the treacherous river current. Undaunted by the many hazards involved, Staff Sergeant McGlynn successfully strung a fourth cable which greatly facilitated efficient communication to expedite supplies and accurate artillery registration in support of the infantry repelling a fierce counterattack. His gallantry was in accordance with high military tradition.


