The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) John Baptist Zanin (ASN: 0-1307610), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Operations Officer of the 3d Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Captain Zanin distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Wonsan, Sobuk-San, Korea, on 11 and 12 August 1950. During the attack on Wonsan, although directed to bring up the rear of the assault companies, Captain Zanin voluntarily exposed himself to constant heavy, enemy mortar and small arms fire to personally develop the battalion’s left flank in the attack. By employing the reserve companies and stragglers from the assault units, he broadened the support base of fire in order to relieve increasing enemy pressure upon the assault elements. From then on, Captain Zanin’s aggressive reconnaissance for better positions, personal leadership, and his constant observation and adjustment of supporting fire enabled the battalion to continue the attack against numerically superior enemy forces. He was later seriously wounded while adjusting mortar fire upon the enemy. His keen tactical sense, his skillful terrain evaluation, and above all his inspiring leadership, coolness under fire, and extraordinary courage enabled his force to outmaneuver and inflict heavy casualties on the enemy. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Captain Zanin on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.