Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Unit:

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

Private First Class Albert Altif, 33622933, 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. Private Altif, an ammunition handler, kept his machine gun supplied with ammunition by traversing 250 yards of open terrain swept by enemy fire, enabling his platoon to hold its forward position for more than an hour, repelling three successive assaults and inflicting heavy casualties among the attacking Germans. Private Altif was wounded by shell fragments, but continued with his duties but continued to man his weapon after receiving first aid. Mounting pressure on both flanks finally made withdrawal mandatory, whereupon Private Altif assisted other members of the platoon in bringing each gun out of position and moved personnel and equipment to more advantageous positions without loss. Private Altif’s courageous devotion to duty reflects credit upon his character and training as a soldier.
Entered military service from Pennsylvania.

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