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 Rhea Jacobucci, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 3d Battalion, 163d Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 21 January 1943, during the Papuan Campaign at Soputa, New Guinea. First Lieutenant Jacobucci volunteered to go alone on a perilous reconnaissance mission after several patrols had suffered casualties in an unsuccessful attempt to locate an enemy strong point. Crawling through the dense jungle, First Lieutenant Jacobucci edged his way along the enemy lines for three and one-half hours, sometimes pausing within 10 yards of the Japanese pillboxes. Returning to his headquarters, Lieutenant Jacobucci had secured complete and accurate information, later utilized in planning an attack. His daring act contributed in a large measure to the annihilation of the enemy in this position. First Lieutenant Jacobucci’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 41st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.