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 Captain (Infantry) John G. Wilhelm Finke (ASN: 0-383636), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 3 August 1943, near Troina, Sicily. When a platoon of Captain Finke’s company was flanking an enemy position, the platoon leader was seriously wounded. Seeing this, Captain Finke crawled over 300 yards through constant terrific small arms fire to the platoon and took over command. About halfway to the objective, he was himself wounded in the head, but continued the attack until the platoon had successfully occupied the position. His gallant action was an inspiration to the whole company and materially aided in the eventual taking of the Battalion and Regimental objectives. By his outstanding leadership and heroic effort, Captain Finke acted in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.



