The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant John W. Crawley (ASN: 36176026), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 2 February 1945, near *****, Germany. Leading his platoon in an assault against the Siegfried Line in the face of intense small arms and automatic weapons fire, Sergeant Crawley exposed himself time and again in calculated recklessness to encourage and stimulate his men. Although a radio was shot out of his hand, and four fingers severed by the bullet, Sergeant Crawley remained with his platoon, advancing them 300 yards to their initial objective. The stamina, tenacious courage and aggressiveness displayed by Sergeant Crawley were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.