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 (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] John Jacob Luther, Jr. (ASN: 0-25597), United States Army, for gallantry in action near Coulot, France, on 6 July 1944, while in command of Company B, 329th Infantry Regiment, 83d Infantry Division. When the enemy made an unexpected heavy counterattack during his absence at the battalion command post, he returned to his company, seized a Browning Automatic Rifle, and personally launched and led a small group of his men in a daring sortie against the flank of the hostile attach which repelled it. Returning to his lines, Major Luther was painfully wounded by enemy mortar fire. He refused to go to the aid station, bur reorganized his company, reorganized the lines, and re-established the positions, despite heavy enemy fire. As a result of Major Luther’s aggressiveness, disregard for personal safety, and leadership, the entire battalion position was saved. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Luther, 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.