Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 349th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division "Fighting Blue Devils", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

December 17th, 1944

Citation:
"For heroic achievement in action on 19 October 1944, near San Clemente, Italy. Private Diaz displayed exemplary heroism in enemy fire while establishing communications. When his battalion was taking a mountain top, the troops were moving forward rapidly over rugged terrain and soon lost contact by radio. In the fast changing situation, new orders came for a different mission, requiring communication to the attacking troops. Starting forward to lay the wire line, Private Diaz hauled the wire over muddy slopes of the mountain into heavy artillery fire. Showered with rocks and mud by blasting shells, flying fragments cut down men on both sides of him, denting his helmet, but Private Diaz continued working. Running the wire over a ridge in full view of the enemy, constant machine gun fire killed two of his crew and wounded others, Private Diaz determinedly advanced, exposing himself to the hostile fire as he carried the wire forward. Constantly the target of snipers, another soldier of the wire group was killed as they approached the forward command post. Never faltering in the intense German fire, this courageous wireman completed his task and subsequently maintained the wire line for three days under similar conditions. The heroic action of Private Diaz in heavy enemy fire was directly responsible for the establishment of vital communications. His deeds reflect great credit upon himself, and exemplify the finest traditions of the armed forces."

Letter from Brigadier General, U.S. Army, Commanding, Paul W. Kendall dated December 17th, 1944.