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 Staff Sergeant John W. Cathey, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 March 1945, near Styring Wendel, France. During an attack on a heavily fortified emplacement Sergeant Cathey voluntarily rode the back of a tank into battle. He directed fire and pointed out targets until a seven-foot wall halted the advance of the company. Repeatedly exposing himself, he brought rifle fire on the enemy, knocking out a machine gun nest, wounding several of the enemy and killing four. He then moved through a shell hole in a wall and rushed the enemy positions, calling for his squad to follow. After advancing thirty feet, he was severely wounded by rocket fire. His intrepid action and courage under fire led to the success of the attacking troops. Staff Sergeant Cathey’s personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 70th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.