Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John P. Pryor, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action during the Meuse- Argonne offensive, near Exermont, France, October 4 - 6, 1918.

Attacked by Spanish influenza, Captain Pryor refused to leave his command for medical treatment because of the heavy casualties among the officers of the battalion to which his company was attached. Captain Pryor remained with his command, participating in the heavy fighting around Exermont and Hill 240, inspiring his men through his conspicuous bravery and indomitable will until he collapsed upon the field of battle, and was carried from the field, dying while en route to the hospital.