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 Private John Marra (ASN: 44509), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company M, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Charpentry, France, 3 October 1918. In broad daylight, and subjected to heavy fire from the enemy, Private Marra led a patrol of four men in advance of our lines to rescue a severely wounded soldier. His courage was an inspiration to the men serving with him.