The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant John Gillen (ASN: 20734661), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Normandy, France, on 8 August 1944. When his platoon leader became a casualty, Sergeant Gillen assumed command of his platoon. The platoon was ambushed and practically surrounded and under close range from enemy tanks. Sergeant Gillen, platoon sergeant, exercising superior leadership, reorganized the platoon and led it in a successful withdrawal under heavy enemy fire, after first destroying equipment that would fall into the hands of the enemy. The superior leadership of Sergeant Gillen, his utter disregard for personal safety, and his presence of mind under extremely difficult conditions, resulted not only in the successful withdrawal of his platoon from the untenable positions with minimum casualties but also in destruction of valuable equipment when its capture by the enemy was imminent. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.