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 John J. Van Valkenburg (ASN: 32743116), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, during the period 6 June 1944 through 5 July 1944. On D-Day Private Van Valkenburg on three separate and distinct occasions crossed open fields swept by enemy fire to administer aid to and evacuate wounded men. On 14 June 1944, he moved out 100 yards in front of the lines under heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire to render aid to a wounded man and to bring him back to the safety of his own lines. On 15 June 1944, while accompanying a patrol, he left his place of cover and administered first aid in the midst of mortar and small arms fire to a wounded man. Though wounded by mortar fire, he refused to be evacuated. On 5 July 1944, he twice moved across open fields swept by machine gun fire to administer aid to wounded men. On this latter occasion Private Van Valkenburg was again wounded. The gallantry and unselfish devotion to duty without regard for his own personal safety displayed by Private Van Valkenburg exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.