The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Staff Sergeant [then Private] Jack C. Henley, United States Army, for meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with the 23d Infantry Division (Amerial), in action at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 26 October 1944. Staff Sergeant Henley, a member of a night patrol, given the mission of reconnoitering an enemy defensive position, displayed outstanding courage and devotion to duty when the patrol surprised the enemy with an attack, killed two of their men and gained valuable information as to enemy installations. This action was performed without casualties to our forces and the information obtained by the patrol aided greatly in the subsequent indoctrination of our troops as to the practicability of successful action against the enemy by small groups under cover of darkness. This devotion to duty on the part of Staff Sergeant Henley reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
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Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Staff Sergeant [then Private]Division:
23d Infantry Division (Americal)Action Date:
October 26, 1944
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Private First ClassDivision:
23d Infantry Division (Americal)Action Date:
April 2, 1945
Headquarters, Americal Division, General Orders No. 94 (1945)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 Jack C. Henley, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 23d Infantry Divison (Americal) at Cebu, Philippine Islands, on 2 April 1945. When his company had suffered numerous casualties, the company commander asked Private Henley, a runner, to attempt to reach a squad of men, pocketed in positions to the left and to tell them to return to fill a gap in the lines. The bands of enemy fire were so intense and close to the ground that the path to the squad was considered practically impassable, yet Private Henley maneuvered through the line of fire and reached the squad and was able to lead them back to the command post without a casualty. Later in the morning, Private Henley twice again exposed himself to 20-mm. gun grazing fire in order that he might bring in two seriously wounded comrades to the aid station. Private Henley’s gallantry in action and devotion to duty contributed greatly to the thwarting of the enemy attack and was a major factor in saving two of his comrades’ lives.