John Asbury Townsend, Jr.

Sergeant, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 16 (1943)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant John A. Townsend, Jr. (ASN: 20809123), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action 1943, near *****, Italy.
Sergeant Townsend demonstrated superior leadership with utter disregard for his life by exposing himself continuously to enemy fire in order to maintain control and to insure the uninterrupted defense preparation of his position. Throughout the engagement he controlled his men shillfully and inspired them by examples of courage and bravery.
Sergeant Townsend's gallant action reflects great credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.