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 (Infantry) John H. Cochran (ASN: 0-1313076), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 90th Infantry Division in northern France. On 20 August 1944 in the vicinity of ****, France, during an intense battle, Lieutenant Cochran and another officer discovered an enemy tank column about to break through to the rear of their battalion. They found an unmanned mortar, manned it themselves as there was little time because the enemy column was only 200 yards away. Despite heavy enemy fire, their action stopped the attacking column, knocked out an enemy tank, and stopped the threat to their battalion. Lieutenant Cochran’s act was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.