Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company M, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company M, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army

For wounds received in action on 30 December 1944 in the Ardennes, Belgium.

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 2 (8 January 1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company M, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army

Sergeant Rafiel L. Duffek, 20723759, Infantry, United States Army, for heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States near *** [Lutrebois], Belgium on 31 December 1944. When a rifle company which his platoon was supporting was compelled to withdraw during the course of a powerful enemy counterattack, Sergeant Duffek, a squad leader, maintained his machine gun squad in position for more than an hour, repelling three successive assaults and inflicting heavy casualties among the attacking Germans. Mounting pressure on both flanks finally made withdrawal mandatory, whereupon Sergeant Duffek and his men brought each gun out of position and moved personnel and equipment to more advantageous positions without loss. Sergeant Duffek’s heroic actions honor his character as a soldier.
Entered military service from Nebraska.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 14 (26 February 1945).