Navy Federal Credit Union

John Irvin was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions from July 26 to 30, and was killed in action on that final day – his 30th birthday.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 26 – 30, 1944

    Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 23 (February 23, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Irvin Jensen (ASN: 0-1298713), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as Rifle Platoon Leader, Company K, 3d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in France, from 26 to 30 July 1944. First Lieutenant Jensen, although wounded twice, refused evacuation and led his men for three days against a stubborn enemy. On the fourth day his platoon suffered heavy casualties and although he was again wounded, he directed effective mortar fire on the enemy strongpoint. In leading the five remaining men of a squad in an attack on the next hedgerow, he and his entire group were pinned down by withering enemy cross-fire. He ordered the withdrawal of his men while he remained alone and adjusted fire by radio upon the enemy position.