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 (Field Artillery) John S. Wallace (ASN: 0-1183993), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 140th Field Artillery Battalion, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 2 February 1945. Second Lieutenant Wallace, a forward artillery observer attached to an infantry battalion, moved in front of the leading elements of assault troops in an attack at Plaridel. He remained in position three hundred yards from the enemy in spite of intense machine gun and mortar fire. There Second Lieutenant Wallace directed accurate and effective artillery which neutralized Japanese emplacements and installations, and enabled our troops to move on, encountering only slight resistance. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Wallace, 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.