(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 Colonel (Corps of Engineers) John Southworth Niles, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1139th Engineer Combat Group (Separate), in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Niles, 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.