Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

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

Awarded on:

1945

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 Private First Class Nanti J. Fiori (ASN: 33731328), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 September 1944, in Belgium. When his company's advance was halted by fire from two machine guns, Private First Class Fiori leaped to his feet and alone, charged upon the enemy positions. Firing his automatic rifle, Private First Class Fiori killed the enemy in the first emplacement. As he continued his heroic attack, he was severely wounded and knocked to the ground by pointblank fire from the second German position. With a courageous effort Private First Class Fiori rose directly into the line of withering fire and, although hit again and fatally wounded, he hurled a hand grenade which destroyed the enemy machine gun. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, 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.

Awarded posthumously.
Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 33 (1945).