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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) John R. Hardy (ASN: 0-2007768), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Hardy distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces Kuhe-ri, Korea, on 25 August 1950. Lieutenant Hardy’s unit was providing fire cover for a patrol crossing the Nan River. As the first assault boat reached the enemy-held shore and the troops deployed, they were subjected to intense small-arms fire from three sides. Observing that the patrol’s position was untenable, the company commander ordered an immediate withdrawal, but hardly had the order been given when the patrol leader was killed. The remaining eight men re-entered the boat and started to return, barely getting underway when six were wounded by the intense enemy fire and boat, adrift, started moving toward the enemy shore. Seeing the helpless plight of his comrades, and disregarding the hail of enemy fire, Lieutenant Hardy plunged into the swift current, swam sixty yards to the boat, retrieved it, and succeeded in towing it safely to the friendly shore. This prompt display of outstanding heroism by Lieutenant Hardy reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army of the United States.