John J. Bernotas

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John J. Bernotas (0-2019414), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. First Lieutenant Bernotas distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Aea-ri, Korea, on 6 March 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Bernotas’ platoon was given the mission of holding key terrain until the remainder of Company L could move into position. That night his platoon, in position on four hilltops, was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force and split up into small defensive sectors. Lieutenant Bernotas and eight men were cut off on a hill overlooking the intended approach route of the remainder of the company. Under his expert and fearless leadership, the small group fought off encirclement and inflicted heavy casualties on the attacking enemy. When the enemy added reinforcements and it appeared that they were certain to take the commanding terrain, Lieutenant Bernotas adjusted friendly artillery fire on his own positions, thereby completely disrupting the hostile attack. Although wounded twice during this action, he continued to remain in an exposed position and gallantly directed the fire of his troops until reinforcements arrived.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 461 (June 25, 1951)