The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant John D. Healy (ASN: 39257997), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 19 December 1944, in Germany. Although he was painfully wounded as his group was withdrawing before a savage counterattack, Staff Sergeant Healy took command of the men, personally cared for the casualties, and then led them through a hail of fire to a rendezvous point on the reverse slope of a ridge. He then reported the men to the rest of the unit in preparation for the establishment of a new defense before he would allow his wounds to be treated. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Healy, 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.