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 Sergeant John L. Howard (ASN: 36771735), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 21 January 1945, in Belgium. An overwhelming enemy force, consisting of armor supported by one hundred infantrymen, suddenly attacked Sergeant Howard’s company position knocking out all the anti-tank guns and pinning the company down. Because Sergeant Howard could not fire his heavy machine gun due to the woods, he boldly moved out with his rifle and killed three of the enemy which momentarily threw them into confusion. Friendly tanks were able to move up and knock out one enemy tank, and force the remaining enemy to withdraw. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Howard, 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.

(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 Sergeant John L. Howard (ASN: 36771735), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, 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 Sergeant Howard, 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.