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 H. Slone (ASN: 6988112), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 January 1945, in Belgium. A number of enemy infantrymen attempting to escape the fire of friendly troops ran toward the left flank of Sergeant Slone’s machine gun position. Sergeant Slone, after trying vainly to lift his machine gun from the frozen ground to cover t he enemy, opened fire with his carbine; but the weapon jammed after the first shot. With the enemy almost upon him, he quickly detached his machine gun from its tripod and fired a burst from the hip, killing five of the enemy and forcing the remainder to disperse. As a result of Sergeant Slone’s gallant action eighteen of the enemy were subsequently captured. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Slone, 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.