The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John E. McAllister (ASN: 39412761), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 7 February 1945. During the fighting near the Estero de Paco in Manila, part of our advancing troops were forced to withdraw back over a bridge they had just crossed. The bridge was under direct fire of enemy machine guns and every man had to swim. Sergeant McAllister crossed and re-crossed the stream three times, through Japanese mortar and machine gun fire, to rescue those men in his squad who could not swim. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant McAllister, 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.