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 Sergeant John Francis McCartney (ASN: 20743355), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with 113th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), 112th Cavalry Group (Separate), SEVENTH U.S. Army, in action against enemy forces on 12 April 1945, near Strassfurt, Germany. In an attempt to clear entrenched Germans from a road leading into the town, Sergeant McCartney proceeded across an adjacent field with his armored car. Dismounting, he advanced alone on the enemy’s flank and captured approximately thirty Germans. He returned to his vehicle and continued down the highway where he and his crew killed fifty of the enemy and took sixty-five prisoners. His courageous ability completely nullified all resistance and enabled the infantry to advance unopposed into the sector. Sergeant McCartney’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.