Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    38th Armored Infantry Battalion

    Division:

    7th Armored Division

    Action Date:

    August 16, 1944

    Headquarters, NINTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 48 (November 23, 1944)

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Mario J. Fortuna (ASN: 0-378127), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 38th Armored Infantry Battalion, 7th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 16 August 1944, in France. During an attack near Leves, France, Lieutenant Fortuna was given the mission of clearing the town of enemy resistance. Having available only men inexperienced in battle, Lieutenant Fortuna elected to lead the assault party. Displaying great intrepidity and heroic leadership, he led his men from building to building, repeatedly exposing himself, purposely drawing enemy fire to ascertain their positions. During this assault six machine guns were silenced, ten prisoners were captured and many of the enemy were killed or wounded. After the main street of the town had been cleared of organized enemy resistance, Lieutenant Fortuna worked his way back to his unit through sporadic enemy sniping to lead the forward elements of his battalion through the town and on toward their objective. The extraordinary heroism and courageous actions of Lieutenant Fortuna reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.