The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John B. Childs, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, 5 January 1945, near, Wingen, France. Acting on his own initiative, Private First Class Childs courageously attacked a reinforced enemy machinegun position which was hampering his platoon’s advance. After throwing all his hand grenades into the position, he was brought under direct machine-gun fire by the enemy but, undaunted, continued his assault by hurling rifle grenades until mortally wounded by the enemy fire. His action in drawing the enemy fire to himself enabled others of his platoon to move up and destroy the enemy emplacement. His brave sacrifice exemplifies the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.