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 John T. Hilliard (ASN: 34734687), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 31 July 1944, in France. Private Hilliard was assigned to duty as a rifleman with an infantry unit. Our troops were making a large scale attack against the enemy, when suddenly they were pinned down by hostile machine gun fire. With utter disregard for his safety, Private Hilliard advanced in the face of the opposing fire to a position from which he destroyed one machine gun nest and temporarily knocked out of a action a second, thus enabling his comrades to advance and complete their victorious mission. The courageous unselfishness and undaunted devotion to duty exhibited by Private Hilliard reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service.