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 Captain (Infantry) John Stanley Milesnick, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 17 and 18 December 1944 in Belgium. Ignoring intense machine gun fire from a German tank spearheading a strong infantry-tank attack upon his company’s position, Captain Milesnick, armed with a rocket launcher, fired five rockets at point blank range, knocking the tank out of action. Though suffering from a severe wound, he personally directed the laying of anti-tank mines, thus strengthening his vital cross roads position against a renewal of the German attack. When the attack materialized on the following morning, he directed his company in holding off the superior group until forced to call for artillery fire less than 20 yards to his front. Shortly thereafter he skillfully withdrew what remained of his company and only then consented to be evacuated. By his outstanding courage and indomitable spirit, Captain Milesnick exemplified the highest traditions of the military service.