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 Staff Sergeant John A. Reynolds (ASN: 34300674), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 9th Armored Engineer Combat Battalion, 9th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 7 March 1945. When the vehicle in which he was riding reached the Ludendorf railroad bridge across the Rhine River, Staff Sergeant Reynolds dismounted and approached the structure on foot. Although the bridge was rocked by demolition charges and intense sniper, machine gun, and 20-mm. gun fire was directed upon him, he moved along the entire length of the bridge, cutting wires leading to further demolitions. By his unhesitating action and cool courage, Staff Sergeant Reynolds prevented the immediate destruction of the bridge and enabled the FIRST Army to establish a bridgehead on the east bank of the Rhine River, thus reflecting the highest credit upon himself and the military service.