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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John William Finnell (ASN: 0-365923), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 41st Armored Infantry Regiment, 2d Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 April 1945, in Germany. With utter disregard for personal safety, Colonel Finnell remained in an exposed position to direct concentrations of artillery upon a counter-attacking enemy force of tanks and infantry less than two hundred yards away. When the majority of the attackers were either killed or wounded, he led an assault against Gurnewald, Germany, where he established and maintained a defensive position until the remainder of his task force returned to the west bank of the Elbe River. Colonel Finnell’s great courage and determination were inspirational to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 2d Armored Division, and the United States Army.