Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal [then Private First Class]

    Regiment:

    393d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    99th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 16, 1944

    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 46 (March 22, 1945)

    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 [then Private First Class] Angelo Cestoni, Jr. (ASN: 33428396), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 393d Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 16 December 1944, in Belgium. When a strong enemy tank-infantry force overran a portion of his company’s front line position, Corporal Cestoni voluntarily crawled toward an emplacement from which two Germans were firing a captured machine gun upon friendly troops. Displaying great courage, he charged the gun position and killed the two enemy soldiers with pistol fire. Although he was twice wounded by fire from a column of tanks approaching his position, Corporal Cestoni, disregarding his painful wounds, fired a rocket into the lead tank, knocking it out of action and forcing the remaining tanks to withdraw. Corporal Cestoni’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 99th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.