Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant (Sergeant-Major)

Unit:

Company F, 259th Infantry Regiment, 65th Infantry Division "Battle-Axe", U.S. Army (Company F, 259th Infantry Regiment, 65th Infantry Division "Battle-Axe", U.S. Army)

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Harry W. Caminiti (33680078), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 259th Infantry Regiment, 65th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 18 March 1945, in Germany. During an attack on heavily defended Siegfried Line positions near Fraulautern, Germany, Sergeant Caminiti's Squad was subjected to extremely heavy machine gun fire emanating from an enemy pill box. Exhibiting cool, heroic leadership he urged his squad forward, courageously silenced the hostile position with demolition charges and grenades and continued the advance forward until he was seriously wounded and the squad forced to take cover. When he saw a comrade hit by enemy rocket-fire he fearlessly went to his aid and although hit again, and mortally wounded, dragged him to safety. Staff Sergeant Caminiti's intrepid leadership, 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 65th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awarded posthumously.
Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 171 (13 July 1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant (Sergeant-Major)

Unit:

Company F, 259th Infantry Regiment, 65th Infantry Division "Battle-Axe", U.S. Army