John F. Wagner

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to John F. Wagner (36276513), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 4 January 1944 at Saidor, New Guinea. On that date Private First Class Wagner’s patrol was attacked in a Banzai charge by Japanese forces. Remaining behind, he provided covering fire that allowed his patrol to withdraw, sacrificing his own life to save the lives of his comrades. Private First Class Wagner’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.