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 E. Bussard (ASN: 36580619), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 11 and 12 March 1944 at Bougainville, Solomon Islands. Volunteering for a dangerous mission on which four men had been killed and eight wounded in previous attempts, Private Bussard crawled up a steep, fire-swept hillside and located well-concealed installations on an enemy-occupied ridge of Hill 700. The Japanese were aware of his presence and he was pinned down by incessant fire until he escaped under cover of darkness several hours later and reported his accurate observations. When the enemy’s deadly firepower held up a counterattack on the ridge position the next day, Private Bussard twice crawled up the treacherous bank alone and single-handedly blasted the Japanese fortifications with rifle grenades and a rocket launcher normally operated by a two-man team. His effective fire demolished two enemy pillboxes. Later, Private Bussard and three comrades were attacked by six Japanese soldiers. All six were killed in a bitter close-range encounter. His inspiring heroism and courageous efforts to destroy the enemy were at all times conspicuous in a difficult offensive action which routed the enemy from the strategic hill position. Private First Class Bussard’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 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.