Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

Medical Detachment, 303rd Engineer Combat Battalion, 78th Infantry Division "Lightning", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1945

By direction of the President, under the provisions of AR 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amanded, and under authority contained in Circular No 32, Headquarters European Theater of Operations, United States Army, 20 March 1944, as amended, the Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to Private First Class John J. Coyle (35633036), Medical Department, 303rd Engineer Combat Battalion, 78th Infantry Division, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against the enemy.

On 6 January 1945, Private Coyle volunteered to accompany a demolition squad which, with an infantry assault team, attacked an enemy pillbox in Germany. After the intense enemy fire had created casualties among the advancing soldiers, Private Coyle courageously administered first aid until the assault team was forced to withdraw. During the withdrawal, one of the infantry men was wounded and sought refuge in a sheltering hole. Leaving his body partially exposed Private Coyle rendered aid to the wounded man. While performing this task, Private Coyle was wounded but he continued until everything possible had been done for the wounded man - only then did he look to his own wound. His extraordinary heroism and courageous actions reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Entered military service from Ohio.

Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 58 (1945).