The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John J. Powers, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 77th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 24 May 1945. Lieutenant Powers, leading a company patrol, set out to wipe out a strong pocket of enemy resistance which was holding up the battalion’s advance only one hundred yards in front of his company. Coming under heavy enemy machine gun fire from his flanks, Lieutenant Powers, though suffering from a painful wound, reorganized his patrol and urged his men forward, killing 10 of the enemy and blowing up three Japanese-held caves. On returning, his patrol was again subjected to heavy mortar and machine gun fire. After leading the remaining members of his patrol to safety, Lieutenant Powers, exhausted, fighting against the numbing pain of his wound, and with complete disregard for his own safety, twice returned and dragged wounded members of his patrol to a covered position from which they could be evacuated. Only then would he accept medical treatment, and upon lapsing into unconsciousness, was himself evacuated. First Lieutenant Powers indomitable courage and heroic leadership was a great inspiration to his company. With the enemy resistance removed, the company inspired by his courageous example advanced toward its objective. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.