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 L. Cecil (ASN: 0-1169052), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the *** Field Artillery Battalion, XII Corps, in action against the enemy on 24 September 1944, in France. Lieutenant Cecil flew over enemy lines for the purpose of reconnaissance, in an attempt to locate and plot enemy armor and installations in the vicinity of *****. Adverse flying conditions necessitated flying at an altitude of about 500 feet. His plane was subjected to intense enemy ground fire from 20-mm. anti-aircraft guns, machine guns and small arms, but he continued to make low sweeps over enemy territory until the maneuverability of his plane was severely impaired when the tail strut was shot away. He managed to land his disabled plane in friendly territory. The valuable information secured by his Air Observer during this flight enabled our artillery to cause widespread destruction among the enemy installations. The courage, aggressiveness and devotion to duty of Lieutenant Cecil reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.