Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    11th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    5th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 8, 1944

    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 109 (December 13, 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 First Class Frank Lalopa (ASN: 32736269), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 8 September 1944, at the Dornot bridgehead across the Moselle River in France, five miles south of Metz. Private First Class George T. Dickey and Private First Class Frank Lalopa volunteered to man a forward observation post during the night. When the Germans attacked, they were warned to return to their lines, but instead, stayed at their posts firing into the advancing Germans until they were both killed. On the following morning, twenty-two enemy dead were found near their bodies, some within three yards of their position. Private First Class Lalopa’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, the 5th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.