Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 20, 1945

    Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 306 (1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Sergeant Joseph Cirino, United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action while serving with the 45th Infantry Division, in action in the city of Nuremberg, Germany, on 20 April 1945. On that date, while investigating the second floor of a building, Sergeant Cirino encountered eight enemy soldiers armed with machine pistols and rifles. Before the enemy could put their weapons into action he fired a volley of shots, wounding two and forcing the others to surrender. As he was marching his prisoners downstairs, four more of the enemy entered the building. He threw a hand grenade which wounded all four of the enemy. Sergeant Cirino then returned to his company with his prisoners. Sergeant Cirino’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.