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 D. Stackhouse (ASN: 33683497), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 15 February 1945. While scouting 20 yards in front of his squad, Private First Class Stackhouse was fired on by the enemy from the upper story windows of a building. Fully exposed in the street, he immediately fired four whit phosphorous grenades into the building, although each time he fired he was forced to shift from one spot to another in order to avoid being hit by the intense hostile fire. His effective covering fire forced the enemy from their emplacements, and enabled his platoon to cross the open area into positions from which they subsequently launched a successful attack against the enemy stronghold. While trying to gain access to the building, Private First Class Stackhouse was fatally wounded by an enemy rifleman firing from a small hole on the ground floor of the building. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Stackhouse, 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.