Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company D, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army (Company D, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army)

Awarded on:

December 22nd, 1944

Citation:
"For gallantry in action on 19 February 1944 near Padiglione, Italy. Sergeant Gloriant was Instrument Corporal of a heavy weapons company and was assigned to a platoon occupying a defensive position in open terrain west of a small village. German forces, attempting to reduce the Anzio Beachhead, were directing heavy attacks against his platoon position. Continued wire communication between the command post and the machine gun sections was of vital importance in coordinating the defensive fires of the platoon. Throughout the day, communications were frequently interrupted by fire from enemy tanks and mortars, some of which were located within four hundred yards of the wire line. Sergeant Gloriant repeatedly made trips into the open, shelled area to repair broken telephone lines. The personal courage and high sense of duty demonstrated by Sergeant Gloriant in performing his important duty during this difficult day reflects credit upon himself and his unit."

At the moment of the action he still held the rank of Corporal.
General Orders No. 306, Headquarters 45th Infantry Division (22 December 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Company D, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army