The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade [then Private] John H. Mullins (ASN: 33526676), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily during the period from July through October 1943. When assigned the mission of carrying an important message to his battalion command post, Corporal Mullins displayed outstanding devotion to duty and total disregard for grave danger. Realizing the necessity for haste in delivering this message, Corporal Mullins chose to cross terrain subjected to withering enemy machine gun, mortar, and artillery fire rather than a more circuitous but safer route. 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.