Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

Company F, 331st Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division "Thunderbolt", U.S. Army (Company F, 331st Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division "Thunderbolt", U.S. Army)

John A. Patson, 42009987, Private First Class, Company F, 331st Infantry, United States Army. For distinguishing himself by gallantry in action near St. Ideuc, France, on 11 August 1944. Private First Class Patson was assigned the task of destroying an enemy anti-aircraft gun emplacement which was a serious menace to company’s observation Post. With an assistant he crawled 150 yards over flat terrain under intense mortarand machine gun fire to a position from which he could place direct fire on the target. With cool deliberation he secured twelve direct hits on the emplacement with his rocket launcher and enabled his patrol to move forward and occupy the position. When a counter-attack was begun, Private First Class Patson, although wounded by shrapnel, calmly stood up and hurled hand grenades at the oncoming enemy until the attack was disrupted. Private First Class Patson’s concpicuous daring and inspiring devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the finest traditions of the military service of the United States. Entered military service from New Jersey.

Headquarters, 83d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 81 (10 December 1944).