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 L. Sullivan (ASN: 38324752), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 11 February 1945 and 26 February 1945. When his platoon was fired upon by an enemy machine gun in a fortified pillbox during the crossing of the Estero de Paco in Manila on 11 February 1945, Private First Class Sullivan ran forty yards across an open field to silence the gun, enabling his company to make a safe advance. On 26 February 1945, Private First Class Sullivan rushed forward into an opening in the wall of a Japanese-held building, sprayed the interior with bursts from his automatic rifle and, although wounded, destroyed another machine gun and its crew. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Sullivan, 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.