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 John E. McGrath (ASN: 20943212), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 2 August 1943. Courageously leaving the protection of a shell hole Private McGrath crossed a ridge under enemy artillery fire to the assistance of wounded comrades. As he reached them he was hit in the shoulder by shrapnel, but despite this he carried one of the wounded eighty yards to safety.