The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) John E. Rooney (ASN: 0-402202), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a chaplain with the 13th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, in action in Holland, on 24 September 1944. When the enemy had started to lay down interdiction and harassing artillery fire on a town, Chaplain Rooney and his driver were forced to take cover in a nearby house. As they approached the house a civilian pointed out to them a frightened little girl lying huddled in the center of the street where the shells were landing close by. With complete disregard for his own safety, Chaplain Rooney left the shelter of the house, picked up the child, and brought her to safety. Again, when told of an unattended baby in an upper floor of the house, Chaplain Rooney, heedless of the shells that were falling all round, mounted to the upper story and carried the baby to the shelter of the basement. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Chaplain Rooney, 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.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) John E. Rooney (ASN: 0-402202), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a chaplain with the 13th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, in action in Germany, on 22 February 1945. While under heavy enemy artillery, mortar, and small arms fire, Chaplain Rooney rescued three men from the Roer River after an assault boat overturned. Then he administered first aid to the wounded men and aided in their evacuation by litter. Chaplain Rooney worked tirelessly and was directly responsible for saving many lives. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Chaplain Rooney, 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.