Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Company D, 2nd Batallion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army (Company D, 2nd Batallion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, US Army)

Citation:
Joe Gandara (39561681), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division on 9 June 1944, in France. When his detachment came under devastating enemy fire from a strong German force, pinning the men to the ground for a period of four hours, Private Gandara advanced voluntarily and alone toward the enemy position. Firing his machine gun from a carrying position as he moved forward, he destroyed three hostile machine guns before he was fatally wounded. By his selfless devotion to duty and outstanding valor, Private Gandara prevented heavy casualties to members of the detachment, thus reflecting the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

Awarded posthumously