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 Jacob Coyle (ASN: 35633036), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the Medical Detachment, 303d Engineer Combat Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 6 January 1945. On that date, Private Coyle volunteered to accompany a demolition squad which, with an infantry assault team, attacked an enemy pillbox in Germany. After the intense enemy fire had created casualties among the advancing soldiers, Private Coyle courageously administered first aid until the assault team was forced to withdraw. During the withdrawal, one of the infantry men was wounded and sought refuge in a sheltering hole. Leaving his body partially exposed, Private Coyle rendered aid to the wounded man. While performing this task, Private Coyle was wounded but he continued until everything possible had been done for the wounded man. Only then did he look to his own wound. Private First Class Coyle’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 and the United States Army.