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 John Calvin Garst (ASN: 35728905), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Lanuvio, Italy, on 31 May 1944. During an enemy attack and while exposed to intensive enemy fire, Private First Class Garst captured seven German soldiers. While bringing them back to friendly lines, he was fired on by three Germans who came rushing at him from a nearby house. A fierce fire fight then ensued and although outnumbered three-to-one, Private First Class Garst killed two of the Germans before the third seriously wounded him and recaptured the seven prisoners. Although suffering from critical abdominal wounds he managed to escape from the Germans and instead of going to the nearby medical aid station he made his way to the platoon which had been cut off deep in enemy territory. He gave the platoon leader valuable information concerning enemy positions which enabled the platoon to make its way back to friendly lines. By this time Private First Class Garst was in such a weakened condition that it was necessary to dispatch litter bearers to evacuate him. The courage and complete selflessness displayed by Private First Class Garst saved his platoon from annihilation and his 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 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.