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 Captain (Field Artillery) John R. Kerr (ASN: 0-1170450), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 219th Field Artillery Battalion, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, 11 July 1944. As an Artillery liaison officer with an Infantry Battalion on its initial day of combat, with utter disregard for his own safety and as an example to his artillery forward observers, Captain Kerr moved aggressively forward with the point of the advance guard to locate and bring artillery fire on appropriate targets, thereby assisting the infantry to advance against a stubbornly defending enemy. His actions reflect credit upon his character as an officer and are in accord with the highest traditions of the military service.