RESTRICTED
GO No 18 Hq; 82d Abn Div
APO 469 U S Army 17 Feb 1945
II — AWARD OF. THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL
Under the provisions of AR 600-45, as amended, and pursuant authority
contained in letter 200.6 (AG) Headquarters XVIII Corps Airborne, dated 31
August 1944, and Circular No. 2, Headquarters First United States Army,
dated 4 January 1945, the Bronze Star Medal is awarded to the following named individual:
JOHN F. BUFFKIN, JR., 0-1286781, First Lieutenant, 508th Parachute Infantry,
for meritorious service in connection with military operations against the
enemy for the period 17 September 1944 to 10 November 1944 near ###,
HOLLAND. First Lieutenant BUFFKIN, JR., Adjutant, First Battalion,
performed all duties in a superior manner while under adverse combat
conditions. He kept the battalion commander accurately posted on the
strength of the units composing the battalion, expeditiously collected and
forwarded all matter pertaining to casualties, promotions, and decorations.
Frequently it was necessary for First Lieutenant BUFFKIN, JR., to move to
the battalion forward positions to obtain accurate information for his
records. This he did without hesitation, although these positions were under
enemy small arms and artillery fire. When the battalion clerk was wounded on
D+1, First Lieutenant BUFFKIN, JR. assumed practically all of those duties
rather than take a rifleman from one of the under strength rifle companies.
He supervised the proper distribution and logging of all incoming and
outgoing messages at the CP, and was responsible in large part for an
efficient and smooth-running command post. His ceaseless efforts in the
performance of additional duties as well as the superior performance of his
own office reflects great credit upon himself and his organization. Entered
military service from ORANGEBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA
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