Medal of Honor: Arthur F. DeFranzo - World War II - June 10, 1944

Name: Arthur F. DeFranzo
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: 1st Infantry Division
Date of Action: June 10, 1944
Location: Near Vaubadon, France

Summary of Action

On 10 June 1944, just days after the Allied landings in Normandy, Staff Sergeant Arthur F. DeFranzo displayed extraordinary heroism during combat near Vaubadon, France.

As a group of American scouts crossed an exposed field, concealed German machine guns suddenly opened fire. One of the lead scouts was struck down, lying helpless in full view of the enemy.

Without hesitation, DeFranzo rushed into the open under the concentrated fire of several machine guns to reach the wounded soldier. During the rescue he was himself wounded, yet he succeeded in carrying the man back to safety.

Refusing medical treatment for his own injuries, DeFranzo immediately returned to the battlefield.

Determined to break the enemy position, he led the advance across the same exposed ground while at least two machine guns directed relentless fire at him. Pressing steadily forward, he fired continuously at the German positions until, one by one, their guns began to fall silent.

During the assault he was struck again by enemy fire.

Still he refused to stop.

Continuing his advance to within roughly one hundred yards of the enemy defenses, DeFranzo collapsed from his wounds but continued firing his rifle while urging his men onward with hand signals.

When the rest of his company reached his position, he somehow forced himself back to his feet and once again moved to the front of the attack despite his severe injuries.

Hit yet again, he nevertheless made one final effort.

Drawing several grenades, he hurled them into an enemy machine-gun emplacement, completely destroying the position before succumbing to his wounds.

By willingly exposing himself to repeated enemy fire and absorbing the full weight of the German defense, Staff Sergeant Arthur F. DeFranzo prevented a costly delay in the assault and enabled his company to continue its advance with minimal casualties. His extraordinary courage and unwavering devotion to duty reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

DEFRANZO, ARTHUR F.

Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 1st Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Vaubadon, France, 10 June 1944.

Entered service at: Saugus, Mass.

Birth: Saugus, Mass.

G.O. No.: 1, 4 January 1945.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, on 10 June 1944, near Vaubadon, France. As scouts were advancing across an open field, the enemy suddenly opened fire with several machine guns and hit one of the men. S/Sgt. DeFranzo courageously moved out in the open to the aid of the wounded scout and was himself wounded but brought the man to safety. Refusing aid, S/Sgt. DeFranzo reentered the open field and led the advance upon the enemy. There were always at least two machine guns bringing unrelenting fire upon him, but S/Sgt. DeFranzo kept going forward, firing into the enemy, and one by one the enemy emplacements became silent. While advancing he was again wounded, but continued on until he was within 100 yards of the enemy position and even as he fell, he kept firing his rifle and waving his men forward. When his company came up behind him, S/Sgt. DeFranzo, despite his many severe wounds, suddenly raised himself and once more moved forward in the lead of his men until he was again hit by enemy fire. In a final gesture of indomitable courage, he threw several grenades at the enemy machine-gun position and completely destroyed the gun. In this action, S/Sgt. DeFranzo lost his life, but by bearing the brunt of the enemy fire in leading the attack, he prevented a delay in the assault which would have been of considerable benefit to the foe, and he made possible his company’s advance with a minimum of casualties. The extraordinary heroism and magnificent devotion to duty displayed by S/Sgt. DeFranzo was a great inspiration to all about him and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.