Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    259th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    65th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 18, 1945

    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 171 (July 13, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Harry W. Caminiti (ASN: 33680078), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 259th Infantry Regiment, 65th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 18 March 1945, in Germany. During an attack on heavily defended Siegfried Line positions near Fraulautern, Germany, Sergeant Caminiti’s Squad was subjected to extremely heavy machine gun fire emanating from an enemy pill box. Exhibiting cool, heroic leadership he urged his squad forward, courageously silenced the hostile position with demolition charges and grenades and continued the advance forward until he was seriously wounded and the squad forced to take cover. When he saw a comrade hit by enemy rocket-fire he fearlessly went to his aid and although hit again, and mortally wounded, dragged him to safety. Staff Sergeant Caminiti’s intrepid leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 65th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.