*DEFRANZO, ARTHUR F.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant,
U.S. Army, 1st Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Vaubadon, France, 10 June
1944. Entered service at: Saugus, Mass. Birth: Saugus, Mass. G.O. No.: 1,
4 January 1945.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the
call of duty, on 10 June 1944, near Vaubadon, France. 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.
