John J. Lissner

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John J. Lissner (0-1579949), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment during the period 15 to 18 September 1944, in France. Lieutenant Lissner personally led his company in an attack on an enemy position on high ground which was accessible only by a single trail. When the attack had advanced but two hundred yards, heavy enemy artillery fire was laid on the trail, dispersing the company. Without regard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Lissner, at the head of his troops, led them toward the objective. The company became engaged in a firefight at close range, and were forced to dig in by darkness. At daybreak the following morning, an attack was launched. Lieutenant Lissner, at the head of his troops, led his company under intense small arms and mortar fire through a minefield to seize the objective. Through the entire action, Lieutenant Lissner continually exposed himself to hostile fire, and in so doing, inspired his command to the successful completion of a difficult mission.