Distingushed Service Cross citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John A. Roach (20363889), Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on the initial assault 6 June 1944, near Vierville, France, on D-Day. Technical Sergeant Roach, who was wounded as he came in on the initial assault and was awaiting evacuation, observed that his platoon leader had become a casualty and that the leaderless platoon was fast becoming disorganized under the heavy and intense enemy fire. Technical Sergeant Roach, despite his painful wound, seized a rifle, moved over to his platoon and reorganized it. He then rallied the men and personally led them forward in the face of devastating enemy fire and successfully overran the enemy positions. The outstanding courage, initiative and leadership displayed by Technical Sergeant Roach exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 29th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 29 (June 29, 1944)