The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class John N. Megown, Jr. (ASN: 19018555), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Cisterna Di Littoria, Italy, on 24 and 25 May 1944. Private First Class Megown, a gunner, organized and led a five-man patrol across open terrain in broad daylight to knock out an enemy machine gun. The enemy crew was wounded, and Private First Class Megown went on alone to assault a ditch, thereby forcing a group of 38 enlisted men and one officer to surrender. The following day he led his squad in an attack against an enemy machine gun that had halted digging in operations of his company. He charged the gun nest, but was killed before advancing very far. A friendly unit came to the help of Private First Class Megown’s squad and took approximately 300 prisoners. Private First Class Megown’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.