The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John T. Scannell (ASN: 36548056), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 411th Infantry Regiment, 103d Infantry Division. During the day and night of 19 January 1945, on the border of France and Germany Sergeant Scannell and his mortar platoon were in support of Company L during an attack, when they met severe enemy resistance. Enemy small arms, mortar, and artillery fire swept the area making the position of the company extremely dangerous. Because of the severity of the hostile fire the company was ordered to withdraw. In the process of the withdrawal Sergeant Scannell keenly observed six wounded comrades lying helpless. Without hesitation, he, with utter disregard for his life, gallantly braved the exposed and fire-swept terrain time and again to evacuate each of the six injured men to safety.