(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 Private John Joseph Petrizzo (ASN: 20129316), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 42d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Munda, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 18 July 1943. Private Petrizzo and three comrades took shelter in a foxhole near the enemy lines along the Munda trail, when a Japanese grenade was thrown into their position. Realizing that to hurl the grenade from the foxhole would endanger the lives of the wounded on litters nearby, Private Petrizzo threw himself upon it to absorb the blast with his own body and save the lives of his comrades. Private Petrizzo’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 and the United States Army.