Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Unit:

Company C, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

February 2nd, 1945

Citation:
"For gallantry in action on 20 December 1944, near Cheneux, Belgium. After capturing the village of Cheneux, Belgium, the badly depleted and disorganized units were in the process of reorganizing to prepare for the defense of the town. Private First Class Ianacone and another man were placed in an outpost position which was soon attacked by the enemy. Private First Class Ianacone, realizing his platoon was not completely dug in at the time, remained in position until the enemy force of approximately fifteen men reached a point within ten yeards, then opened fire. The enemy patrol deployed and attacked Private First Class Ianacone with a machine gun, automatic pistols, rifles, and grenades, causing Private First Class Ianacone to be painfully wounded. Despite his almost hopeless situation, Private First Class Ianacone continued to fight until he had knocked out the enemy machine gun with a hand grenade. After losing their machine gun and four of their men, the enemy patrol withdrew. Private First Class Ianacone's gallant action in the face of overwhelming odds delayed an enemy counter-attack in force. His exemplary conduct reflects great credit upon himself and the unit he serves."

Headquarters 82d Airborne Division letterhead, Office of the Division Commander, 2 February 1945.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Company C, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Company C, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Second Purple Heart received in the form of a bronze oak leaf cluster to be worn on the ribbon of the first Purple Heart.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)