The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John H. Loney (ASN: 35727495), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 20 April 1945. Private Loney, a wireman in a heavy machine gun section supporting a rifle company, voluntarily left his covered position to install vital communications, despite increasingly heavy enemy mortar fire. When one of his gun section’s positions was hit by a hostile mortar shell, Private Loney attempted to go to the aid of his wounded comrades and was fatally wounded by an enemy mortar shell. 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.