The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) John A. Holabird (ASN: 0-1106825), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 20 September 1944, about one half mile northwest of Nijmegen, Holland. Lieutenant Holabird, Assistant Platoon Commander, was assigned the mission of taking one squad of engineers on the assault wave crossing the Waal River crossing to clear mines for Anti-Tank guns coming in later. Lieutenant Holabird, with his engineers, was the first to reach the north bank of the river. Upon reaching the shore, Lieutenant Holabird immediately ordered his men to head for the objective. Although under intense small arms, machine gun fire, while crossing the river, and on the flat ground on the enemy side, Lieutenant Holabird kept his men together and continued to advance, taking one pillbox and two houses before his squad was pinned down by friendly and enemy gracing machine gun fire. When the assault infantry had caught up with his group, Lieutenant Holabird assembled his remaining men, gave first aid to two of his wounded, and pushed on. During this action, Lieutenant Holabird continually exposed himself in order to reach his objective and keep his men together. Lieutenant Holabird’s unceasing aggressiveness and disregard for his own safety was an inspiration to all the men with him. This action materially aided the infantry in accomplishing their mission of capturing the bridge. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.