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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) John DeWitte O’Neil (O’Neal) (ASN: 0-1301024), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Corieli and Checcina, Italy, on 2 and 3 June 1944. First Lieutenant O’Neil, assuming command of a platoon of Company E, on 2 June 1944, immediately reorganized the battle-weary men and personally led a brilliant attack on Hill K, supported by artillery and tanks. Riding the lead tank, he arrived at the objective ahead of his men and despite enemy fire, selected valuable fields of fire and secured his position against an enemy counterattack. The position provided a line of departure for a continuing attack the next day. This position was a vital link in the enemy defense system and was instrumental in breaking the whole line in the regiment sector. On 3 June 1944, while moving his platoon, then depleted to 15 men, into a position to protect the exposed right flank of the battalion, they were suddenly counterattacked. Realizing the necessity for stopping any enemy infiltration, he boldly ordered his men to attack immediately. While personally engaging in the hand-to-hand fighting and after forcing his way through to the advance enemy command post, he was killed in action by automatic weapons fire. The attack successfully drove the enemy from one of their last lines of resistance in the regimental sector. First Lieutenant O’Neil’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.