The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Cavalry) John Leonard Hines, Jr. (ASN: 0-16749), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Combat Command A, 6th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces during the period from November 1944 to March 1945. Colonel Hines repeatedly distinguished himself by his skillful, courageous leadership. During operations in the Bastogne, Belgium area, across the Our River into Germany, through the Siegfried Line, across the Rhine River towards Frankfurt Am Main, he was constantly with the forward elements of his command, braving heavy fire to encourage and direct his men. Colonel Hines was severely wounded while leading a column against enemy-held Frankfurt, but he had so disposed his troops that they continued forward, forced a crossing of the Main River and entered the city. This gallant officer’s outstanding achievements were important contributions to the success of Third U.S. Army operations. Colonel Hines’ bold, fearless leadership and supreme devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 6th Armored Division, and the United States Army.

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 Colonel (Cavalry) John Leonard Hines, Jr. (ASN: 0-16749), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Combat Command A, 6th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces near Han-sur-Nied, France, on 11 November 1944. Leaderless and dazed, the infantry troops were pinned down by enemy artillery fire at a time when a crossing of the Nied river was critical. Colonel Hines, although himself wounded, rallied the men and personally led them across the bridge. He organized the men into small groups and took them over in the face of intense fire, to establish a bridgehead. He then led a platoon of tanks across the bridge and placed them in effective firing positions. Colonel Hines’ intrepid leadership, 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 6th Armored Division, and the United States Army.