Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

"Private John J. Van Valkenburg, 32743116, 507th Parachute Infantry, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy during the period 6 June 1944 through 5 July 1944, in France. On D-Day Private Van Valkenburg on three separate and distinct occasions crossed open fields swept by enemy fire to administer aid to and evacuate wounded men. On 14 June 1944, he moved out 100 yards in front of the lines under heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire to render aid to a wounded man and to bring him back to the safety of his own lines. On 15 June 1944, while accompanying a patrol, he left his place of cover and administered first aid in the midst of mortar and small arms fire to a wounded man. Though wounded by mortar fire, he refused to be evacuated. On 5 July 1944, he twice moved across open fields swept by machine gun fire to administer aid to wounded men. On this latter occasion Private Van Valkenburg was again wounded. The gallantry and unselfish devotion to duty without regard for his own personal safety displayed by Private Van Valkenburg reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)