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 John Newton Middlemas (ASN: 0-2262644/6830341), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Aine et Turk, Algeria, 8 November 1942. During the Oran Offensive, Private Middlemas, with utter disregard of personal safety, succeeded in entering a building which protected an enemy machine gun crew and forced the surrender of six men manning the gun. By his courageous deed, Private Middlemas eliminated an enemy obstacle and assisted in the advance of the 3d Platoon, Company E, 26th Infantry Regiment. 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.

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 Private First Class John Newton Middlemas (ASN: 0-2262644/6830341), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa, during he period from January to May 1943. While searching for enemy snipers harassing our units, Private Middlemas discovered a strong enemy position. Displaying great courage and fearlessness, Private Middlemas and other members of his patrol charged the position and successfully destroyed this strongpoint, capturing more than forty of the enemy. 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] John Newton Middlemas (ASN: 0-2262644/6830341), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from March through July 1943. When his platoon was forced to seek cover because of heavy enemy machine gun fire, Sergeant Middlemas crawled across open terrain and destroyed the enemy nest. 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.

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 Private First Class John Newton Middlemas (ASN: 0-2262644/6830341), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa in 1943. Private Middlemas, while under heavy enemy machine gun and mortar fire went to the aid of a fellow soldier who had been wounded and succeeded in removing him to a place of safety. Private Middlemas’ daring on this occasion was an inspiration to the men of his organization. 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.