Headquarters, Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 64 (December 28, 1942)
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 Colonel (Corps of Engineers) John Joseph Carew (ASN: 0-126433), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 114th Engineer Combat Battalion, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 16 November 1942, in the vicinity of Cape Sudest in New Guinea. When enemy airplanes attacked and set fire to a ship carrying United States Army personnel and supplies, Colonel Carew personally organized a volunteer crew to re-man the ship’s life-boats that had already taken a number of men ashore. Without regard to his personal safety, he helped to row the boat toward one of the burning ships, in the face of repeated bombing and strafing by enemy planes, approaching it closely although explosions of ammunition aboard threw flaming debris in all directions. Colonel Carew’s leadership and courage saved the lives of several men and inspired others to greater effort in rescuing survivors. Colonel Carew’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 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.