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 Technical Sergeant John Christopher Rea (ASN: 6569308), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 381st Infantry Regiment, 96th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 28 October 1944. While clearing the final beachhead near Kiling, Technical Sergeant Rea, commanding the right flank platoon, ordered his men to seek cover along a nearby road while he arranged for cover fire, after they had come under heavy enemy fire. Once covering fire had been established, he led his men across 150 yards of open area to a new location where he reorganized them in preparation for further advance. He then moved his platoon to the edge of another clearing where they were pinned down by enemy fire. Technical Sergeant Rea jumped to his feet armed only with his M-1 rifle and advanced, walking slowly toward the enemy. Firing from the hip, he killed several Japanese who attacked him with small arms and grenades. When his ammunition was exhausted, Sergeant Rhea fixed his bayonet and continued his attack, despite the heavy Japanese fire still sweeping the clearing. Observing their platoon leader’s advance and additional Japanese falling to the gallant sergeant’s bayonet, the rest of the platoon rallied and charged across the clearing into the Japanese position, clearing it and releasing Company I and others from the accurate enemy fire which had pinned them to the ground. Technical Sergeant Rea’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 96th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.