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 Hanlon (ASN: 12228593), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 18 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ensheim, Germany. During the attack of the Second Battalion on the Siegfried Line, Private First Class Hanlon was wounded in the face while carrying a pole charge toward an enemy pillbox. When another man was hit, Private First Class Hanlon picked up the other pole charge and painfully crawled toward the pillbox. Only after he had completed his mission did Private First Class Hanlon consent to be evacuated. The intrepidity with which he performed his heroic act was an inspiration to all those who witnessed it. The magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire of Private First Class Hanlon reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.