The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John N. V. Hicks (ASN: 34198618), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 July 1944, in France. Private First Class Hicks was serving in capacity of scout for an infantry group, which was engaged in an attack against the enemy. An enemy machine gun was inflicting heavy casualties on his comrades and Private First Class Hicks volunteered to go forward and destroy it. With a comrade, Private First Class Hicks advanced over relatively open terrain, through severe enemy fire, and in plain view of the hostile troops, and succeeded in destroying the machine gun killing one and capturing four of the enemy His action so inspired the other members of his organization that they again started forward and continued to attack aggressively until their final objective was attained. The personal gallantry and gallant leadership displayed by Sergeant Brown reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.