Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Regiment:

    383d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    96th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 14, 1945

    Headquarters, 96th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 518 (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 Technical Sergeant Emil V. Balducci, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company H, 383d Infantry Regiment, 96th Infantry Division, in action at Okinawa on 14 May 1945. On that date, Technical Sergeant Balducci was leading his heavy machine gun platoon in support of a rifle company in an attack on a strongly fortified enemy-held ridge in the vicinity of Conical Peak when his platoon was suddenly fired on by an enemy machine gun from the right flank about one hundred yards away, cutting off the platoon from the rifle company. With utter disregard for his own safety, Technical Sergeant Balducci and one other man exposed themselves to the enemy fire in an attempt to neutralize the enemy position. When he had advanced to within twenty-five yards of the enemy machine gun, Technical Sergeant Balducci charged the position with hand grenades and killed the two Japanese who were manning the gun. His gallant and courageous action in the face of great danger were an inspiration to all members of the command.