The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) John William Huling (ASN: 0-26515), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 12th Engineer Combat Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Seigen, Germany, on 5 April 1945. When resistance was encountered from a strongly defended enemy-held barracks with a view of the entire area, First Lieutenant Huling, in the face of intense small arms and machine gun fire, led his men with marching fire against the position. Exposing himself to furious hostile fire in an attempt to spot the enemy guns, First Lieutenant Huling was killed by enemy machine gun fire. His outstanding leadership, courage and devotion to duty gained him the respect and admiration of his men. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Huling, 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.