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 P. Kenny (ASN: 32267922), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 3d Battalion, 306th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 4 May 1945, at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands. From an advance observation post, seeing a company of Japanese moving toward the Battalion Headquarters, Private Kenny and his comrades opened fire. The enemy, determined to destroy the position quickly, covered the post in a hail of mortar and machine-gun fire; then, with fixed bayonets, they charged. Private Kenny, severely wounded, propped himself into position, and firing into the foe at point-blank range, assisted in stopping the attack. As the enemy resumed the assault he was still before them, and firing his rifle with deadly accuracy, he held his position. Suffering from his many wounds, he lapsed into unconsciousness as friendly forces rushed up. Private Kenny’s heroic stand, in the face of great odds, delayed the hostile advance and enabled his unit to organize a coordinated attack to accomplish the destruction of the enemy force. 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 77th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.