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| Staff Sargent Arthur DeFranzo earned the Medal of Honor four days after landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day with the 1st Infantry Division. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7066026/arthur-fredrick-defranzo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Infantry_Division_(United_States) |
Arthur was born March 20, 1919 in Saugus, Massachusetts. His parents Charles and Mary were immigrants from Italy. His father worked for an electrical company. Arthur had five older sisters, two younger brothers, and one younger sister. In 1940, Arthur had completed high school and was living at home with his parents and working as a laborer.
Arthur was inducted into the US Army in November 1940 and served in the 18th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division (“The Big Red One”). In November 1942, the 1st ID took part in Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of French North Africa, and was in combat from January 1943 to May 1943, helping to secure Tunisia. In July 1943, the division took part in the Allied invasion of Sicily, and then returned to England in November 1943 to prepare for the eventual invasion of Normandy.
On the morning of June 6, 1944 the 1st ID was part of the first wave of troops that stormed ashore in the amphibious landing at Omaha Beach. The division took 30 percent casualties in the first hour of the assault, but managed to secure the beachhead by the end of the day. Staff Sergeant DeFranzo was killed in action four days later on June 10, 1944 in fighting among the hedgerows near Vaubadon, France. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions that day, his citation reads:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty.
As scouts were advancing across an open field, the enemy suddenly opened fire with several machineguns and hit 1 of the men. S/Sgt. DeFranzo courageously moved out in the open to the aid of the wounded scout and was himself wounded but brought the man to safety.
Refusing aid, S/Sgt. DeFranzo reentered the open field and led the advance upon the enemy. There were always at least 2 machineguns bringing unrelenting fire upon him, but S/Sgt. DeFranzo kept going forward, firing into the enemy and 1 by 1 the enemy emplacements became silent.
While advancing he was again wounded, but continued on until he was within 100 yards of the enemy position and even as he fell, he kept firing his rifle and waving his men forward.
When his company came up behind him, S/Sgt. DeFranzo, despite his many severe wounds, suddenly raised himself and once more moved forward in the lead of his men until he was again hit by enemy fire. In a final gesture of indomitable courage, he threw several grenades at the enemy machinegun position and completely destroyed the gun.
In this action, S/Sgt. DeFranzo lost his life, but by bearing the brunt of the enemy fire in leading the attack, he prevented a delay in the assault which would have been of considerable benefit to the foe, and he made possible his company's advance with a minimum of casualties.
The extraordinary heroism and magnificent devotion to duty displayed by S/Sgt. DeFranzo was a great inspiration to all about him, and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces"
Arthur Frederick DeFranzo is buried in Riverside Cemetery in his hometown of Saugus, Massachusetts. Three of Arthur’s brothers also served during WW2 and survived the war: Raymond (Navy), Flore (Navy), and William (Army).
Thank you SSGT DeFranzo for your sacrifice. Let's Earn It for Arthur.
____
This profile was written by Bob Fuerst. "I’m a NASA engineer, B-17 Flying Fortress enthusiast, and amateur genealogist so this kind of research is an ideal outlet for me. But more than anything, it’s a way to express my sincere appreciation for The Greatest Generation and the sacrifices that they made, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They should never be forgotten and I’m grateful to Don for allowing me to play a small part in honoring them."
Last year on this date I profiled B-24 pilot John Suchiu. You can read about John here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Follow on Twitter @ww2fallen100
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
Arthur Frederick DeFranzo is buried in Riverside Cemetery in his hometown of Saugus, Massachusetts. Three of Arthur’s brothers also served during WW2 and survived the war: Raymond (Navy), Flore (Navy), and William (Army).
Thank you SSGT DeFranzo for your sacrifice. Let's Earn It for Arthur.
____
This profile was written by Bob Fuerst. "I’m a NASA engineer, B-17 Flying Fortress enthusiast, and amateur genealogist so this kind of research is an ideal outlet for me. But more than anything, it’s a way to express my sincere appreciation for The Greatest Generation and the sacrifices that they made, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They should never be forgotten and I’m grateful to Don for allowing me to play a small part in honoring them."
Last year on this date I profiled B-24 pilot John Suchiu. You can read about John here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Follow on Twitter @ww2fallen100
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
WW2 Fallen 100 is supported by
The Greatest GENERATIONS Foundation
“Where Every Day is Memorial Day”
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