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 R. Carleton (ASN: 32759057), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Belgium, on 24 December 1944. Numerically superior enemy forces had succeeded in wounding soldiers occupying a house and were preventing litter bearers from evacuating them by keeping the house and all routes of approach under intense fire. At great risk to his life, Private First Class Carleton voluntarily made three trips under fire assisting in evacuating the wounded. Together with his comrades, Private First Class Carleton safely evacuated twenty wounded soldiers. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Carleton, 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.