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 First Class Jack Kermit Cunningham (ASN: 38046690), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Tarakena, New Guinea, on 11 January 1943. Volunteering to join a small patrol in an attempt to establish a foothold on the opposite shore, Private First Class Cunningham swam the swollen and rapid Konembi River in broad daylight and under heavy enemy fire. Armed only with a pistol and hand grenades, he assisted in towing a rope to the other shore where he remained under cover of the bank and directed the crossing of his platoon. The success of this action permitted the advance of the entire company and secured a bridgehead for the advance of the following units. Private First Class Cunningham’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 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.