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 H. Kunkel (ASN: 35047751), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from 8 to 12 March 1944. Sergeant Kunkel occupied a pillbox which was flanked at close range by Japanese forces breaking through the American lines at Hill 700. He defended the dangerously exposed key position for three days, and on one occasion killed a Japanese soldier who crawled on top of the pillbox in a surprise assault during the night. Under a continual barrage of enemy fire he relayed important information to the officers of his Infantry company and directed mortar fire which effectively harassed the enemy. While at a command post on 12 March, he learned that the Japanese were again assaulting the pillbox he had defended. He went back into action and halted the enemy attack with machine gun fire. On the same day he guided fresh troops into position for a large scale counterattack which completely defeated the enemy and fully restored the lines. Staff Sergeant Kunkel’s 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 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.