The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major General John Emmit Sloan (ASN: 0-3018), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 19 May 1944, near Itri, Italy. Commanding General of the 88th Infantry Division, elements of which were attacking the enemy in Itri on 19 May 1944, Major General Sloan entered the town at about 1200 hours to determine the progress of his troops. At that moment the enemy launched a heavy counter-attack, supported by tanks and observed artillery and mortar fire, on the town. Observing that the attack of his troops had been stopped, Major General Sloan, without regard for his own safety moved forward and personally issued orders to his troops to continue the assault. His personal presence and gallant action so inspired the assaulting troops that they pushed forward, broke up the enemy counter-attack and drove the enemy from the town. Major General Sloan’s intrepid leadership and heroic conduct were an inspiring example to the members of his command, and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.