The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant John Andrew Jablonski (ASN: RA-11961054), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Sergeant Jablonski distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 August 1968 as team leader during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Can Giuoc. His company came under intensive fire and was pinned down by a company of Viet Cong occupying well-fortified positions. Observing that the point man had been wounded, Specialist Jablonski ran through the enemy fusillade to provide covering fire for a medic who was trying to reach the injured soldier. Discovering that the man had been fatally wounded, Specialist Jablonski assaulted the bunker and destroyed it with hand grenades. Returning to the rear with the body of his fallen comrade, Specialist Jablonski voluntarily assumed the point position. Remaining calm and highly alert, he detected four more communist bunkers and before the enemy had time to react, his platoon engaged and destroyed the hostile emplacements. After serving in the precarious position for two hours, Specialist Jablonski was ordered by the platoon leader to the rear. Ten minutes later his platoon again came under intense enemy fire, sustaining two casualties. Without hesitation, Specialist Jablonski again rushed through the barrage of enemy fire and destroyed a second Viet Cong bunker. Maneuvering to one of the casualties, he carried the wounded man through a hail of fire to safety. Returning immediately to the front, he provided covering fire for other members of his platoon who were maneuvering to destroy the remaining bunkers. As his element again moved forward, Specialist Jablonski once more assumed the point position. A short time later, he sighted two Viet Cong soldiers trying to escape the area. He ran forward to engage the fleeing enemy, firing his weapon and throwing hand grenades as he moved. Specialist Jablonski had killed one of the Viet Cong when five from an enemy bunker mortally wounded him. His dedication to duty and indomitable spirit prevented many casualties and served as an inspiration to the men of his company. Specialist Four Jablonski’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.