Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Company A, 760th Tank Battalion, 85th Infantry Division "Custer Division", U.S. Army

Ralph J. Serra, Private, 31160505, Company A, 760th Tank Battalion, United State Army. For gallantry in action on 22 May 1944, in Italy. When his tank was hit by an enemy rocket type projectile and began to burn fiercely, Private Serra, a tank cannoneer, voluntarily covered the withdrawl of the other members of the tank crew with a sub-machine gun. Observing that the tank driver was missing, he returned to the tank under intense close range enemy fire to rescue and evacuate the driver who had been wounded and was unable to leave the tank. Although twice knocked off his feet by concussion grenades in the course of the rescue, Private Serra persisted courageously in his heroic mission until the wounded had reached a position of safety. His gallantry and initiative in carrying out his heroic act is in keeping with the high traditions of the Armed Forces. Entered the military service from Middleboro, Massachusetts.