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 M. Grogan, Jr. (ASN: 39246541), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 22 December 1944, near ****, Belgium. Technician Fifth Grade Grogan, demolition bridge carpenter, volunteered for the mission of blowing one of three important bridges spanning the ****, River. During a strong counterattack and under intense small arms fire and enemy observation, he crawled over artificial and natural barriers to complete his mission. Destruction of this important and strategic bridge deprived the enemy of the opportunity of infiltrating men and armor through out lines and was a vital part of the town’s successful defense. Technician Fifth Grade Grogan’s actions and gallantry were in keeping with the traditions of the Airborne Forces of the United States.