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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) John J. Preneta (ASN: 0-1167165), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while Commanding Company A, 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion, attached to the 4th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on or about 22 October 1944, near Bezange la Petite, France. When the company was halted by an enemy mine field and brought under heavy artillery fire, Lieutenant Preneta boldly made a reconnaissance of the ground, killed two snipers with his pistol and captured two others of the enemy in a pill box. The following day he again distinguished himself by personally leading a gun section through heavy artillery fire and directing their fire against the town from an exposed position until he was wounded and evacuated. First Lieutenant Preneta’s conspicuous heroism, and his courageous, inspiring leadership and supreme 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.