Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    504th Parachute Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    82d Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    January 30, 1944

    Headquarters, FIFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 149 (September 10, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Private Thomas Salvadore Gugliuzza (ASN: 35399221), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against an armed enemy near Sessano, Italy, on 30 January 1944. Private Gugliuzza’s platoon was dug in on the right flank of the company when a terrific barrage of 88-mm. shells flowed in, wounding four men. Right behind the barrage fourteen German soldiers appeared, charging over the bank with their machine pistols blazing. Their fire pinned the entire platoon down, but Private Gugliuzza and two other soldiers rapidly reduced the Germans to ten. He was then fatally wounded as another 100 Germans joined the attack. Private Gugliuzza’s extraordinary heroism, 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 and the United States Army.