The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant John F. McLarney, Jr. (ASN: 33004817), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 26 December 1944 in Belgium. Participating in an assault on enemy held woods on 26 December 1944, Staff Sergeant McLarney, without hesitation, assumed command of a rifle company when the company commander was temporarily stunned by shell concussion. Leading the attack into the heavily defended woods, he personally silenced two machine gun positions by effectively firing his rifle at close range directly into the emplacements. After the woods had been cleared, Staff Sergeant McLarney capably organized an adequate defense, retaining complete control of the situation until the company commander has sufficiently recovered to resume command. His courage, leadership, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.