Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

August 18th, 1943

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Walter Szelugoski (ASN: 11010304), United States 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 at ***, near *****, Tunisia, on 24 March 1943. When a strong enemy force attacked in the sector of Company **, 18th Infantry Regiment, Corporal Szelugoski, together with his squad from the mortar platoon, turned their 81-mm. mortar on the enemy, shelled his positions and destroyed a machine gun. Almost immediately afterwards, enemy artillery located the mortars and fired initial concentrations directly into the mortar emplacements. While nearby crews sought cover from the intense artillery fire, Corporal Szelugoski called to his lieutenant for firing data and continued to employ his weapon. A sergeant, sensing the accuracy of the artillery, called for the mortars to be moved. Before Corporal Szelugoski's mortar could be shifted a direct hit from the tank's gun struck the position, felling the weapon and hurling the crew to the ground. Corporal Szelugoski with his two companions and with complete disregard for his own safety righted the weapon and resumed fire, destroying another machine gun. When a second direct hit on the mortar killed Corporal Szelugoski, he fell with a mortar shell, ready for loading, clenched tightly in his hands. His perseverance and coolness under fire were an inspiration to his squad and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awarded posthumously.
Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 16

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

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

Citation unavailable.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

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