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 Captain (Infantry) John Mitchell, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 342d Infantry Regiment, 86th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 26 April 1945, in Germany. During an assault crossing of the Danube River near Ingolstadt, Germany, Captain Mitchell on two occasions fearlessly exposed himself to intense hostile artillery, mortar and automatic weapons fire to make a reconnaissance of the crossing site and then courageously took a place in the leading assault boat during the actual crossing. When the company was pinned down by withering enemy machine gun fire as they landed on the far shore, he gallantly moved to the front of his troops and led them in an aggressive charge that silenced the enemy guns. Captain Mitchell’s heroic leadership and unflinching devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 86th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.