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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) John M. Diekmann (ASN: 0-494648), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, France, on 12 September 1944. Shortly after Company L, *** Infantry Regiment, had established a command post in a wooded area on a hill near ****, France, a group of Germans attacked the command post. While several soldiers engaged the Germans, Lieutenant Diekmann, a platoon leader, moved out to flank the attacking force, and directed artillery fire designed to prevent further enemy penetrations into the area. All of the attacking Germans were killed or captured, and the command post secured against further attacks. Lieutenant Diekmann was mortally wounded by enemy fire during this engagement. His courage, coolness and quick thinking under harrowing circumstances are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.