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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John James Phelan (ASN: 0-20193), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 370th Infantry Regiment, 92d Infantry Division, at Anzio, Italy, on 27 December 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Phelan received word at the C.P. that the entire regimental right sector was in imminent danger of collapse under repeated and deadly determined hostile attacks. He immediately proceeded to the sector and under a continuous barrage of all enemy arms, he regrouped the troops in a new defensive line, establishing a defense which held. During this activity he was at all times under direct or partial observation of the enemy and in constant threat from enemy artillery, mortars and small arms. The bold leadership, and decisive action exhibited by Lieutenant Colonel Phelan inspired both the officers and men with the offensive spirit necessary to successfully check the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Phelan, 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
135th Infantry RegimentDivision:
34th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
May 1944
Headquarters, 34th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 76 (August 12, 1944)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John James Phelan (ASN: 0-20193), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Camporata, Italy, in May 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Phelan, 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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
Infantry BattalionRegiment:
370th Infantry RegimentDivision:
92d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
April 15, 1945
Headquarters, 92d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 61 (1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John James Phelan (ASN: 0-20193), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 370th Infantry Regiment, 92d Infantry Division, on 15 April 1945. Assuming command of an infantry battalion which had already been committed to action, Lieutenant Colonel Phelan, although with the unit only a short period of time, by personal example, initiative, and unflagging energy maintained a high state of morale and fighting spirit in his organization. Moving from company to company in the face of heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire, and often under direct enemy observation, he personally directed the movement and reorganization of positions when it was necessary to clear a hill of a bitterly defended strong point, which threw a hail of fire on the advancing troops. Lieutenant Colonel Phelan immediately organized and dispatched two patrols. The entire operation was under direct enemy observation. Before the assault was completed, Lieutenant Colonel Phelan was killed by an enemy artillery shell. By his sound judgment, keen foresight and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Phelan contributed immeasurably to the successful accomplishment of the mission. His personal courage, practical skill and calm resolution served as an inspiration to the officers and men of his command and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.