John P. Colligan

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to John P. Colligan (33266334), Private, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Troina, Sicily, on 5 August 1943. When besieging enemy forces delayed his company’s advance, Private Colligan fearlessly proceeded to an exposed area, emplaced his machine gun in an advantageous position, and directed most effective fire on enemy strongholds until mortally wounded. His unselfish efforts and heroic devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, enabled his comrades to attain their objective.