The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant John W. Parmenter (ASN: 20112220), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 August 1944, in France. Staff Sergeant Parmenter was assigned to duty as a squad leader with an infantry organization engaged in a vigorous action with a desperate enemy. During a critical period of the fight, when the enemy threatened to cause a withdrawal of our forces, Staff Sergeant Parmenter maneuvered his men so skillfully, and organized them in a superior manner with a result that they held firm and the enemy counterattack was stopped. Throughout the engagement, Staff Sergeant Parmenter continually exposed himself to direct enemy fire, concerning himself more with encouraging and directing his men, than with his own safety. The outstanding leadership and other soldier attributes demonstrated by this heroic non-commissioned officer reflect the highest credit on Staff Sergeant Parmenter reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.