The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John P. Baxter (ASN: 39696624), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 12 March 1944. During an attack on strongly held Japanese positions on Hill 700, Private Baxter displayed outstanding initiative and courage, not only in personally destroying several of the enemy, but in maneuvering to positions where he could best assist his comrades as they assaulted one strongpoint after another. From one of these positions, he was able to harass the enemy with fragmentation grenades while effectively screening the movement of a squad with well-placed smoke grenades. Having exhausted his grenade supply, Private Baster took part in the fire fight with his rifle. He repeatedly exposed himself to intense machinegun and rifle fire in order to improve his observation. During this display of heroism, he was killed by Japanese fire. His courage and disregard for personal safety were an inspiration to his comrades and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.