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 First Class John W. Gilligan (ASN: 39117836), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 29 January 1945. Private Gilligan, along with a fellow soldier, was occupying a foxhole near the top of a hill when enemy tanks attacked their company. As members of a rocket launcher team, Private Gilligan and his companion immediately left their cover, and crawled down the hill, under intense enemy fire, to a position seventy five yards beyond the front line, from which they placed effective fire on the Japanese armor. When they commenced firing they were immediately spotted by the enemy, who directed a hail of machine gun fire at them. However, they resolutely continued their mission, and scoring three direct hits, forced the damaged tank to withdraw from the attack. 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.