John C. Vann
Distinguished Service Cross
U.S. Army
World War I
General Orders No. 46, W.D., 1919
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John C. Vann, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bazoches, France, August 7, 1918. Lieutenant Vann concealed the fact that he was wounded and led the advance platoon of his company to their objectives despite heavy losses. He remained with his command, displaying the highest leadership and courage, until he was wounded a second time.