Jack Kermit Cunningham
Private First Class, U.S. Army

On 11 January 1943, Private First Class Jack K. Cunningham was serving with Company E, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division.

On that day, PFC Cunningham's unit was in action against Japanese forces in the vicinity of Tarakena, New Guinea. PFC Cunningham was one of a small group of volunteers that endeavored, under heavy fire, to string a guide cable across Konombi Creek near Tarakena. The Creek’s current was very swift and the guide cable was needed to enable assault boats to cross the creek and continue the 127th Infantry Regiment’s advance. PFC Cunningham's courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Private First Class Jack K. Cunningham, United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 11 January 1943, in the vicinity Tarakena, New Guinea. Private First Class Cunningham's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty 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.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 36 (1943)