The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John D. Booutin (ASN: 38185385), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Belgium, on 23 December 1944. Private First Class Boutin and a comrade were attached to a rifle company to give machine gun support to an assault made against strong enemy defenses. The troops making the advance were pinned down by heavy fire and the attack was halted. At great risk to his live, Private First Class Boutin voluntarily assisted his comrade in carrying their machine gun forward through heavy fire to a point in advance of the attacking troops. Opening fire, they quickly neutralized the enemy defenses so that their comrades were able to move forward rapidly and capture the objective. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Booutin, 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Private First Class John D. Booutin (ASN: 38185385), 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 Action in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Booutin, 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.