The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) John W. Bedsole (ASN: 0-1171455), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 21 May 1944, in the vicinity of Terracina, Italy. First Lieutenant Bedsole and his battery commander made a reconnaissance for a forward firing battery position. While proceeding on foot in close proximity to the enemy, they discovered a German demolition squad preparing to destroy a bridge. Realizing the military necessity of securing the bridge, the battery commander returned to his jeep, drove it onto the bridge and opened fire on the enemy. Meanwhile, First Lieutenant Bedsole went under the bridge, located and cut the wire leading to the demolition charge. The fire attracted the attention of nearby enemy machine gunners, who immediately opened fire on the bridge. The battery commander was killed, and First Lieutenant Bedsole fell to the ground and feigned death. The enemy infantry came to the bridge to check on the result of their firing and were attacked by an American reconnaissance tank. During the fight, First Lieutenant Bedsole lay on the ground under t he crossfire. The bridge remained intact. First Lieutenant Bedsole’s coolness and resourcefulness under fire aided in preventing the destruction of a bridge vital to the rapid advance of troops in the sector. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Bedsole, 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.