John E. Atchley

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John E. Atchley (34505971), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 7 June 1944, in France. When the enemy counterattacked with tanks in the vicinity of Ste. Mere Eglise, one of the very few antitank guns at the disposal of the defending force had been put out of action due to the fact that most of the members of its crew were casualties. As the enemy tanks approached, Private Atchley, despite the fact that he had never previously fired an anti-tank gun, left his place of cover and fearlessly moved over to man the gun. Although without aid, Private Atchley’s second shot destroyed one of the advancing tanks, whereupon the other tanks turned about and retreated. The courage, daring and complete disregard for his life displayed by Private Atchley reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.