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 Technician Fourth Grade John P. Bellina (12031911), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 255th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 15 February 1945, in the vicinity of Bliesbrucken Woods, France. When riflemen were pinned down by machine gun fire during the initial phase of an attack, Technician Fourth Grade Bellina, with utter disregard for personal safety and in the face of heavy small arms fire, went about giving medical aid to the wounded. While so engaged, he was killed. His outstanding gallantry is in accord with the finest traditions of the Medical Corps, giving the platoon to which he was attached, courage to carry their drive to a successful end. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.