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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Corporal John J. Finnegan (ASN: 90455), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company F, 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in the Champagne-Marne Defensive, France, 16 July 1918. Although suffering from a wound received earlier in the day, Corporal Finnegan exposed himself to direct enemy fire while directing the defense of his position during a stubborn enemy attack. After having been rendered unconscious by an enemy stick grenade he was carried to the dressing station. When he regained consciousness several hours later he insisted upon donning his equipment and returning to his organization where he continued to serve with great bravery until the enemy was repulsed.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    165th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 28, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 16 (1923)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal John J. Finnegan (ASN: 90455), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company F, 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Ourcq River, France, 28 July 1918. While acting as scout and sniper Corporal Finnegan made his way across the Ourcq River, obtained valuable information of the enemy, and returned to his own lines, at all times under intense enemy machine-gun, rifle, artillery, and sniper fire. His company concentrating their fire upon enemy positions indicated by Corporal Finnegan, silenced enemy machine guns. He performed the same mission shortly thereafter, and while so engaged for the third time within a few hours, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire and died upon the field.