The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John C. Compton (ASN: 0-413755), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 57th Infantry Regiment (Philippine Scouts), Philippine Division, in action against enemy forces near Mobatang, Bataan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 11 January 1942. When continued determined attacks by overwhelming numbers of the enemy against the position of the 3d Battalion, 57th Infantry, Philippine Scouts, left Company I but one of its officers, Lieutenant Compton, Battalion Transport Officer, voluntarily joined the embattled company which was desperately holding the left flank of the sector. He repeatedly reorganized the battle-weary members of the company and by his skillful leadership and exemplary conduct enabled the troops to maintain their positions until he was finally killed at the head of the company. Through his heroic leadership, conspicuous command ability, and fearless actions at the cost of his life, Lieutenant Compton made a gallant contribution to the defense of Bataan and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.