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 F. Wagner (ASN: 36276513), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 4 January 1944 at Saidor, New Guinea. On that date Private First Class Wagner was a member of a patrol reconnoitering the area to locate enemy positions when it was attacked in a Banzai charge by Japanese forces. When the superior enemy force charged with bayonets, Private First Class Wagner rose to his feet and fired at point blank range, dispersing the attack and insuring the safety of his comrades. Remaining behind, he provided covering fire that allowed his patrol to withdraw until he fell fatally wounded, sacrificing his own life to save the lives of his comrades. Private First Class Wagner’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, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.