The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John W. Harris, Jr. (ASN: 39028575), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 September 1944, in Holland. Sergeant Harris and a comrade manned their machine gun and placed such a terrific volume of fire into the numerically superior enemy that they broke and retired in confusion. Although the enemy again attacked and began to systematically reduce the house in which Sergeant Harris and his comrade were located, showing them with brick and timbes, they remained at their post grimly determined to hold at all costs. Demoralized by the two men’s gallant stand and heavy casualties, the enemy broke under the murderous fire and was completely routed. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Harris, 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.