The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John J. Quartarone, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 5th Armored Division, in action on 16 August 1944 in France. When an armored combat command was fighting its way through a wood into the city of Dreux, France, it became necessary to evacuate the wounded rapidly in order to bring artillery fire on the woods and open the way into the city. Corporal Quartarone, a half-track vehicle driver in an armored infantry company, volunteered to pick up the wounded. Three times he drove into the woods through a crossfire of German machine guns and rifles, evacuating all the wounded and thereby speeding the artillery mission which led to the liberation of the city. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.