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 G. Burns (ASN: 31302908), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 53d Armored Engineer Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 February 1945. While infantry forces were pinned down by a heavy concentration of enemy fire, Sergeant Burns moved forward to clear a heavily mined road block. Without consideration for his personal safety, he continued the work of removing mines and setting demolitions charges. The clearing of the road block and removal of the mines enabled the tanks to advance and take their objective. Sergeant Burns’ actions were highly courageous and reflect greatest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.