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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) John Walter Scannell (ASN: 0-386942), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with as a chaplain with 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Putland, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 17 March 1945. In an attempt to dislodge the enemy from a heavily defended knoll supported by an undetermined number of machine guns and a reinforced platoon of riflemen, an infantry company was stopped by enemy fire, but after reorganizing continued to attack into a draw. Captain Scannell, Chaplain accompanying the attacking forces, was assisting litter bearers in evacuating casualties. Upon hearing of three men seriously wounded, on his own initiative and with disregard for personal safety while being subjected to direct fire from enemy machine guns and rifles, moved forward to our front lines in order to administer spiritual condolences to them. When litter bearers arrived, Chaplain Scannell assisted in their evacuation at which time he was seriously wounded in the hand, but after being treated he continued to the aid station with the wounded men. The gallant actions, coolness under fire, and personal bravery of Chaplain Scannell greatly inspired the nearby assaulting infantrymen, and his gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    27th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 12, 1943
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 89 (April 16, 1943)

    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 (Chaplain’s Corps) John Walter Scannell (ASN: 0-386942), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with as a Chaplain with 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands, on 12 January 1943. While under heavy enemy artillery and sniper fire, which was inflicting heavy casualties, Chaplain Scannell went forward to the front to administer first aid and to comfort the wounded. Still under heavy fire, he organized a detail to bury the dead. Enemy snipers compelled them to take cover, but he completed the burying and administered the last rites under fire. He then moved down the line from one soldier to another speaking to each man and giving him confidence. During the fighting from 10 to 26 January 1943, he was constantly at the front aiding the wounded, blessing and burying the dead. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Chaplain Scannell, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.