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Capt John J. Dunn graduated from St. Mary Parochial High School and was a sales clerk.

He enlisted at Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio on 11 February 1942 and trained at Camp Polk, Louisiana. He was graduated from Officer's Candidate School at Fort Knox, Kentucky in September 1943. He was sent overseas in June 1944 after which he was promoted to first lieutenant in October 1944.

He was wounded in action on 29 October 1944 for which he was awarded the Purple Heart a first time.

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. The citation cited: On 7 September 1944, in the area of Le Chesne, France, forging ahead in a night reconnaissance along the fiercely contested Metz sector, Lt Dunn led a platoon of tanks on a hazardous mission to the Mozelle river. Penetrating deep into enemy held territory, he spent an entire night scouting through dense forest for a suitable route for the advance of the combat commanded. Time and again, Lt Dunn was forced to leave the shelter of his tank, reconnoitering on foot over difficult and dangerous terrain. His daring initiative and excellent judgment under enemy fire, enabled him to accomplish his dangerous mission with conspicuous succes and without loss of personnel.

He was postumously awarded the Silver Star Medal for his action in the area of St. Vith, Belgium on 21 December 1944. The citation cited: When the Company Commander was killed, Capt Dunn assumed command of the unit. Ignoring the great danger from heavy enemy artillery fire, he quickly regrouped the disorganized company and moved it into strong defensive position in anticipation of hostile attack. When the Germans assaulted, Capt Dunn led his men and repulsed wave after wave of enemy men and armor. Even after our infantry was forced to withdraw, Capt Dunn and his tanks stood their ground. Only when all of his tanks except four had been put out of action did he break off the fight and withdraw, leaving behind scores of enemy dead and wounded. By his courageous leadership Capt Dunn contributed immeasurably to the success of the Division's stand against the full fury of the German winter counter-offensive. His gallant leadership and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.