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 C. Holmes (ASN: 32783411), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 10th Mountain Quartermaster Battalion, 10th Mountain Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 April 1945, near Lusano, Italy. When a mule train, returning from front line positions came upon a mine field, one of the mules exploded a mine, killing one man and frightening the other mules, who ran through the deadly area, exploding more mines which critically wounded two more soldiers. Technician Fifth Grade Holmes, an aidman accompanying the group, crawled into the deadly area to one man and finding him dead, continued on through the mine field until he reached another wounded soldier. Administering first aid and making his patient as comfortable as possible, he remained with the man while the enemy launched a heavy artillery barrage which painfully wounded him in the arm. He bandaged his own wound and stayed throughout the intense barrage at the side of his wounded man for five hours until the soldier died. Despite continued shelling, he chose to remain in the deadly area until daybreak in order to warn others away from the field. When another man approached the dangerous area, he guided him around the mines, remaining himself until engineers arrived to clear a path through. He then walked unaided to the aid station for treatment of his wounds. By his dedication t the welfare of others even at the risk of his own life, Technician Fifth Grade Holmes had added luster to the finest traditions of his branch of service, and earned the praise and admiration of all who know of his gallant deeds.