The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) John Knight Waters (ASN: 0-18481), United States Army, for gallantry in action while a Prisoner of War in Germany, on 6 April 1945, when elements of the 4th Armored Division attacked the German garrison and released about 1,400 American captives. During the action, the American forces unknowingly fired into the Serbian compound, a section of the camp. At the request of the senior Serbian officer, Colonel Waters, with two others, heroically disregarded grave dangers and volunteered to carry a flag of truce between the opposing forces and inform the liberators of the Serbians’ plight. On this hazardous mission, he was severely wounded by a German soldier at close range as he traversed the battlefield. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Waters, 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.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) John Knight Waters (ASN: 0-18481), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 1st Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, in action against the enemy in Tunisia, North Africa in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Waters, 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.