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 Technician Fifth Grade John Joseph Dombrowski (ASN: 33299667), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 708th Amphibian Tank Battalion (Separate), attached to the 27th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 15 June 1944, during the assault on Saipan Island. When the amphibian tank of which he was a gunner sustained a demolishing hit by enemy artillery, Technician Dombrowski was hurled out of the turret and onto the deck of the tank. Painfully bruised and shaken, he courageously struggled upright through a hail of enemy small-arms fire to attempt to rescue entrapped crew members who might still be alive. Though sustaining wounds in the face, neck, and both legs Technician Dombrowski disregarded his injuries and the further threat of the load of ammunition and gasoline in the intensely burning vehicle to work his way to the rear scarf-gun position where he discovered the gunner had died at his post. Then, desperately fighting against his receding strength, he entered the blazing interior in an attempt to rescue the vehicle commander. In the act of lifting him from the turret Technician Dombrowski was thrown into the water when a second shell struck the vehicle. Climbing painfully back into what was now a veritable inferno of exploding ammunition, gasoline, and burning oil he made a desperate attempt to rescue crew members in the forward hatches. Once again the vehicle was hit by hostile artillery and Technician Dombrowski was thrown into the water again. Failing in his efforts to re-climb onto the amphibian tank, because of utter physical exhaustion, he struggled out into deep water where he was picked up and evacuated for medical attention. Technician Fifth Grade Dombrowski’s gallantry and intrepidity are a perpetual inspiration to all who witnessed his deeds and uphold the highest traditions of military service.