Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    601st Tank Destroyer Battalion

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 25, 1945

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 223 (June 23, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Dante Cappiello (ASN: 6879064), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion, 3d Infantry Division. On 25 January 1945, at about 0600 hours, near Rosencrantz, France, when his tank destroyer was hit by an enemy 77-mm. gun and two of his crew were wounded, Sergeant Cappiello ordered his crew to dismount, pointed out the enemy gun to another tank destroyer, and rendered first aid to the wounded men. Then, noting that two of his crew were missing, Sergeant Cappiello unhesitatingly raced after his burning tank destroyer, which had rolled 200 yards distant. He was immediately taken prisoner by 14 Germans; however, with great presence of mind, he talked them into becoming his prisoners. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.