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 St. George Creaghe, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 1st Battalion, 85th Mountain Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, in action against enemy forces near Mount Della Spe, Italy, on 5 March 1945. On the morning of 5 March 1945, the day after the initial assault on the heavily fortified Mount Della Spe, Lieutenant Creaghe led 7 men over the crest of the hill in the face of heavy enemy fire. His dauntless spirit and fearless attitude unnerved the Germans, forcing them into a disorganized retreat, allowing the troops to move forward. Under the difficulties of darkness and enemy fire, First Lieutenant Creaghe moved from man to man, giving specific instructions as to fortifications and fields of fire. Suddenly the first of four counterattacks was launched against the position. First Lieutenant Creaghe shot one German, then spotting another enemy soldier advancing on a machine gun sergeant from the rear, he dropped the enemy soldier with a shot from his rifle. At this point, First Lieutenant Creaghe was seriously wounded by a rifle grenade. Crawling painfully into a foxhole, he continued to give orders before losing consciousness. Only after four counterattacks were repulsed did he consent to be evacuated. First Lieutenant Creaghe’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, the 10th Mountain Division, and the United States Army.