The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Medical Administrative Corps) John D. Townsley, Jr. (ASN: 0-2047183), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Medical Detachment, 255th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 17 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ommersheim, Germany. During the assault on the Siegfried Line by Company E, Lieutenant Townsley rapidly organized on the field of battle a successful, smooth running collecting point for the wounded, which resulted in the evacuation of 73 men in eleven hours. He repeatedly exposed himself under heavy fire to reach and administer aid to wounded men, which directly resulted in saving the lives of three men. The entire battalion aid system at this battle hinged on his successful planning and operation of this collecting point. The intrepidity with which Lieutenant Townsley accomplished his mission was an inspiration to all those under him and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.