Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John H. Neiler (ASN: 0-510407), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in action near Fayence, France, on 20 August 1944. Lieutenant Neiler had established a forward command post and had just completed the unloading of equipment and supplies, when the enemy attacked the position, with heavy and light machine gun, and twenty millimeter anti-tank gunfire. Lieutenant Neiler, after ordering everyone to take cover, and with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to enemy fire to determine any possible means of escape. Leading his men to a deep ravine from which they could return to the rear area, Lieutenant Neiler and two men returned to the evacuated position to recover the vehicles and equipment left there. While waiting for darkness, Lieutenant Neiler observed a company of friendly troops advancing in full view and direct fire of the enemy. Again exposing himself he rushed out into the open and warned the friendly troops, in time for them to find cover before the enemy opened fire. When the enemy opened fire, Lieutenant Neiler and his men, taking advantage of the confusion, loaded the vehicles with the equipment and supplies and drove away. Lieutenant Neiler’s courage and coolness under fire undoubtedly saved many lives and much valuable equipment.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    517th Parachute Infantry Regimental Combat Team

    Action Date:

    January 8, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John H. Neiler (ASN: 0-510407), United States Army, for heroic achievement in action on 8 January 1945. While reconnoitering near Rocklinval, Belgium, Lieutenant Neiler and a fellow officer were captured. Realizing that the information he had gathered during the reconnaissance was vital to his unit, Lieutenant Neiler escaped, although closely guarded by enemy riflemen. Undeterred even when a bullet struck his helmet, he continued until he reached a place of concealment from which he returned the enemy’s fire. Ceasing because the range did not permit the effective use of his pistol, Lieutenant Neiler returned to his unit. Later he returned to his point of escape in an attempt to rescue the other officer, who, in the meantime, had been killed by the enemy. Lieutenant Neiler’s determined courage in the face of odds reflects great credit on himself and the military service.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    January 8, 1945

    First Lieutenant (Infantry) John H. Neiler (ASN: 0-510407), United States Army, was captured by German forces on 8 January 1945 during fighting in Belgium, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his successful escape later on that same day.