The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade John Lee Atkinson, Jr. (ASN: 33099195), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 301st Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in France. On 2 October 1944, near Lorient, France, Technician Atkinson was a member of a combat patrol that was cut off and surrounded by the enemy. Assuming command when the patrol leader was wounded he volunteered to attempt to knock out an enemy machine gun that was firing on the group. Placing his men in position to cover his advance and firing from the hip, he boldly advanced upon the enemy and although mortally wounded, continued to bring accurate fire upon the enemy until they abandoned the weapon and fled in complete disorder. Technician Atkinson’s fearless actions will live on in the memory of the men with whom he fought.