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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Corporal William Rosio (ASN: 555288), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company A, 9th Machine-Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Mezy, France, 15 July 1918. Corporal Rosio commanded one of the two machine guns at the railroad bridge. He exposed himself to heavy machine-gun and artillery fire in order to effectively direct the fire of his guns against the enemy infantry crossing the Marne River. This was done with such effectiveness that many of the enemy boats were sunk and assault halted at the Marne River bank. Later, after his gun was disabled, he made a reconnaissance of the enemy lines and returned with valuable information.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    9th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant William Rosio (ASN: 555288), Sergeant Ferdinando (ASN: 554654), and Sergeant Joe Kaperzynski (554579), United States Army, are cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded them. While serving with Company A, 9th Machine Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Moulins, France, 15 July 1918, these Sergeants were section sergeants and by their coolness, courage and devotion to duty they greatly raised the morale of their men to a high point and aided greatly in the defense of the sector. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]