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 L. Coutu (ASN: 20111994), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 5th Armored Division, in action against the enemy in France, on 1 September 1944. Technician Fifth Grade Coutu, of his own volition, advanced in the face of intense enemy machine gun fire and exploding ammunition in two burning tanks at great risk to his life in order to drag two wounded men from an exposed position to a place of safety. During this advance he had to engage in hand-to-hand fighting with two of the enemy, killing one and with his bayonet and routing the other. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technician Fifth Grade Coutu, 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.