John Newton Preston

Private, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 16 (April 10, 1962)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private John N. Preston (ASN: 38081426), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the vicinity of El Guettar, Tunisia on 29 March 1943, while a member of Company H, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. During an artillery, mortar, and machine gun concentration of such intensity as to pin down three companies, Private Preston courageously faced this heavy enemy fire to deliver a message to the platoon leaders of Company H. The delivered message, which ordered the men to remain in the ditch and counteracted a previous order to withdraw, prevented a great increase in casualties. Private Preston's outstanding courage, exemplary conduct in the face of enemy danger, and disregard for his own life and personal safety are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit on himself and the military services.