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 First Class John William Ceffalo (ASN: 11018491), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. Landing by parachute, Private First Class Ceffalo assembled, organized and led a reinforced machine gun squad that repulsed numerous armor-led hostile attacks. He personally disabled one enemy half-track and laid a number of road mines under fire that enabled his group to defeat the armored car and infantry attacks until relieved. Private First Class Ceffalo’s imitative, gallantry, and superior combat leadership made a vital contribution to the success of his unit on D-Day. His 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 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.