The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] John T. Bryant, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Aide de Camp with Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 September 1944, in France. On the drive of the 30th Infantry Division from France to Belgium, a distance of approximately 110 miles, First Lieutenant Bryant accompanied the Task Force Commander. Slightly short of the objective the leading elements were fired on by enemy tanks located on a sunken road on the left flank of the column. In the initial burst of fire the vehicle in which the Task Force Commander and First Lieutenant Bryant were riding was struck by a 76-mm. shell and the Task Force Commander was wounded in three places. In an effort to seek cover from the enemy fire the occupants sought cover on either side of the road. Voluntarily, First Lieutenant Bryant exposed himself to the enemy tank fire, crossed the road and joined the injured officer in order to render first aid or perform whatever service might be required. Upon reaching this location he placed himself in such a position as to shield the Task Force Commander from further enemy fire, although placing himself in a hazardous position by this act. The gallantry and loyalty displayed by First Lieutenant Bryant reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.