Navy Federal Credit Union

After serving in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, John Lance retired as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    406th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    102d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 26, 1945

    Headquarters, NINTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 206 (June 9, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Erwin Lance, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Executive Officer of Company B, 406th Infantry Regiment, 102d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 26 February 1945. Accompanied by several infantry men, he was first to traverse enemy-held Kuckhoven. Observing a hostile group emplaced to ambush the rear elements of his attack echelon, he charged the position, killing two and dispersing the rest. While rejoining his company, he spied another position threatening the flank of the unsuspecting troops. Again charging alone, he killed four more enemy and reduced this second threat. His extraordinary heroism and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.