Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

Company L, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division "The Big Red One", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

August 6th, 1944

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Camillus J. Paolini (33313568), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. When his Company Commander was seriously injured by an exploding mine, Private First Class Paolini, observing that there were no medical personnel in the vicinity, entered the mine field and went to the officer's assistance. Despite increasing enemy small arms fire, he continued to administer aid. At this time, a heavy enemy artillery barrage began to descend in the immediate area setting off mines all around Private First Class Paolini. As he was preparing to return to his company, a large piece of shrapnel from an artillery shell which landed nearby, hit the Company Commander. Undaunted by this occurrence which nearly took his own life, Private First Class Paolini ministered to this new wound. The gallantry and heroic determination of Private First Class Paolini in administering aid under such hazardous conditions exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 42 (August 6, 1944).