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 Corporal John Granado (ASN: 39230362), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 8 February 1944, in the vicinity of Carroceto, Italy. Corporal Granado, with an automatic rifle team was manning an outpost on a high knoll approximately 50 yards to the right of his company’s right flank, when an enemy counterattack isolated his company from the rest of the battalion. His company received the order for withdrawal to a new defensive position. Corporal Granado elected to remain in his outpost position by himself, continuing to fire on the onrushing enemy with his Browning Automatic Rifle. In doing so, he drew heavy enemy fire on his position, thereby enabling his company to withdraw to its new defensive position without the loss of a man. Corporal Granado’s decision to remain in his perilous position, in utter disregard for his own life, was heroic and contributed materially to the later success of his unit. His extraordinary heroism, 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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.