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 C. Bateman (ASN: 34679007), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 23 January 1945, in the vicinity of Witterlwihr, France. During a heated battle it was necessary for litter bearers to carry the many casualties over a two mile route under enemy observed mortar fire. When the bearers became exhausted, Private First Class Bateman, assistant driver of the medical jeep, voluntarily brought the vehicle into the forward areas. He was fully aware of the grave danger to himself, but saw in this plan the only possibility of evacuation for the wounded. A direct hit by a mortar shell destroyed the vehicle and seriously wounded Private First Class Bateman. His heroism reflects credit upon himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the Medical Corps of the United States Army.