The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] John E. Riggs (ASN: 12238426), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 23 January 1945, in the vicinity of Bennwihr, France. During a night attack, the company ran into a mine field where they suffered heavy casualties from mines and artillery fire. When the men became nervous and refused to move, Sergeant Riggs, recognizing the necessity for action, rallied his platoon, regrouped the men, and led them forward under heavy fire. The outstanding leadership and courage, under hazardous conditions, of Sergeant Riggs are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.