Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

1st Canadian Special Service Battalion, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

January 17th, 1944

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces on Mount La Difensa, Italy, on 6 December 1943. First Lieutenant Atto led a patrol of three men with a mission of destroying several isolated enemy machine guns, mortar emplacements, and snipers whose fire was causing heavy casualties in his unit. The patrol penetrated deep into enemy territory and neutralized several enemy positions, killing nine of the enemy and taking two prisoners. On the return trip First Lieutenant Atto and the two prisoners became separated from the remainder of the patrol. While proceeding alone with the prisoners, he was fired upon from an enemy position. Armed only with a pistol, he returned the fire and caused five more Germans to surrender to him. He be was forced to fire his remaining bullet to keep the prisoners in line. He brought the seven prisoners to his own lines although his only weapon was empty pistol. First Lieutenant Atto's courage and presence of mind in the face of overwhelming odds reflect highest credit upon himself and the two armies which he serves."

Headquarters: Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 8