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 Technician Fifth Grade John Joseph Maginnis (ASN: 33332275), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 August 1944, in France. When the wire communication between Technician Fifth Grade Maginnis’ unit and another was severed by enemy mortar fire, he led the three men of his wire team forward to repair it. Mortar shells were seen to be falling directly n the vicinity of the broken wire, but in spite of this Technician Fifth Grade Maginnis courageously continued forward at the head of his men until he was instantly killed by a shell fragment. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technician Fifth Grade Maginnis, 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.