The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private John H. Gallagher (ASN: 18016639), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of St. Leonardo, Italy, on 21 October 1943. During an attack on strongly defended enemy positions, his company became pinned down by heavy enemy machine gun fire to the front. A member of an automatic rifle team, he volunteered to advance on the enemy position and draw fire, to enable his team to flank the position and destroy it. He moved toward the enemy position but was mortally wounded. By his action his comrades were enabled to take the position.