The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) John E. Phillips, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 22 January 1944. After leading an advance over heavily mined territory covered by artillery, mortar, and nebelwerfer fire, Lieutenant Phillips crossed a river on a small bridge and continued for 400 yards through the fury of enemy fire to the point where his company was ordered to dig in. He moved about in the darkness, constantly menaced by the proximity of the enemy, collecting members of the company, selecting strategic positions and directing them in digging their fighting holes. While moving back and forth across the shell torn area, he was wounded by enemy fire; but he refused to be evacuated until he had centralized almost an entire platoon under his control and supervised their preparation for defensive positions. Second Lieutenant Phillips 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.