SHERBURNE – Staff Sergeant John McDaniel was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action in 1944. The Sherburne American Legion, Post 876, is putting a replica of McDaniel’s Silver Star in the memorial room. Pictured are Legion Chaplain Bill Hodges, McDaniel, Legion Commander Sonny Jones and Commander of the Sons of the American Legion Rick Hodge.

The Silver Star is the highest award that the United States awards to a combat soldier. McDaniel was with the 233rd Engineer Combat Battalion attached to the 77th Infantry Division. In his tour of duty, his battalion had five major campaigns in the Pacific theater. McDaniel won the Silver Star when under heavy mortar fire, some of his commanders were killed on either side of him. McDaniel helped save many of his troops, and when the fighting let up, he moved them to safety.