Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Regiment:

    22d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 9, 1944

    Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 124 (December 11, 1944)

    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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) John F. Ward (ASN: 0-1291362), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 22d Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, on 9 June 1944. Lieutenant Ward was a Forward Artillery Observer attached to the leading element of a company which was spearheading an attack toward Ozeville, France. The enemy launched a heavy counter-attack supported by all types of fire, cut the company off from the remainder of the battalion, and had it almost surrounded. First Lieutenant Ward, from his observation post well forward in the front line elements, sensed the hazards of the situation and realized that his only hope of aiding the unit in breaking out was to direct his own artillery fire on his position. After giving his men an opportunity to depart, he called for fire. With utter disregard for his own safety, he valiantly continued to direct the artillery fire until he was seriously wounded by the shells which he had called down upon himself. This heroic action of First Lieutenant Ward forced the enemy to withdraw, thereby permitting the company to regain contact with other elements of the battalion. The personal bravery, intrepid leadership and indomitable courage displayed by First Lieutenant Ward, which saved the unit from impending annihilation, reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest standards of the United States Army.