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 R. Heenan (ASN: 39331718), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy while serving with Company B, 146th Engineer Combat Battalion, Special Engineer Task Force (Provisional), Engineer Special Brigade Group (Gap Support Team No. C), FIRST U.S. Army, on 6 June 1944 in France. The demolition team, of which Private First Class Heenan was a member, landed at Omaha Beach on the coast of France under heavy enemy fire at high tide. The high tide made it impossible to work upon the obstacles. The men debarked from the landing craft and crossed the beach to a place of comparative safety to await the fall of the tide. At this time it was noticed that the officer in charge of the demolition team was missing. He was then seen at the waterÕs edge badly wounded attempting to make his way up to the beach. Private First Class Heenan, completely disregarding his own safety, on observing the condition of his team commander, immediately left his place of cover, crossed the fire-swept beach and assisted his wounded leader to safety. The gallantry, devotion to duty and personal bravery exhibited by Private First Class Heenan reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.