The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade John L. Durham (ASN: 35260461), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Engineer Combat Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 18 January 1945, in Luxembourg. Technician Fifth Grade Durham was given the task of operating the D-7 Caterpillar bulldozer in the construction of a ford over the Sauer River in support of an Infantry Regiment. He was informed that the ford was vital to current operations for the crossing of armored elements in support of the Infantry. He expressed a desire to start immediately and construction commenced at about 0900. As he was working an intense artillery barrage was directed upon the site but, though shrapnel was striking the sides of the bulldozer, he refused to abandon the site. When the fire abated somewhat he resumed work, completing as much as possible before the arrival of explosives. Work was temporarily suspended while the frozen ground was loosened by blasting. In spite of the danger, Technician Fifth Grade Durham again expressed his desire to begin work, though he was fully aware that the noise of the bulldozer would preclude any possibility of his hearing the incoming shells and taking cover. After completing work on the East side of the river, he took his bulldozer across the stream to the West short to clear the site there. He was fully aware of the possibility of the area being mined for several Teller Mines wee exposed on a bridge about 50 yards up the river. In spite of this fact, and again with complete disregard for his own personal safety he completed the final phase of his job and the ford was ready for use at 1630 hours. The gallant actions of Technician Fourth Grade Durham are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Corps of Engineers, and the United States Army.