The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant John Willard McInnis, Canadian Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 2d Company, 2d Regiment, First Special Service Force, in action on the night of 9 – 10 February 1944, near Borgo Podgora, Italy. The advance of Sergeant McInnis’ company on a strongly defended town was held up by a well concealed enemy machine gun. Sergeant McInnis, a leading scout, rushed back to the leading elements of his company and secured an automatic rifle. Accompanied by another soldier, he crawled across flat, open ground to a point within a few yards of the position. Unable to stop the two soldiers by fire, the enemy gunner threw a hand grenade, wounding Sergeant McInnis’ companion. Sergeant McInnis leaped to his feet, charged the machine gun nest, firing as he ran, and killed all three German crew members. During this same action Sergeant McInnis aided in the evacuation of a wounded officer by litter. The litter party suddenly was subjected to a heavy enemy artillery barrage. Sergeant McInnis remained with the wounded officer in an exposed position throughout the barrage, shielding the officer with his own body. The intrepidity and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant McInnis reflect highest credit upon himself and the Allied Forces.