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 Major (Infantry), [then Captain] Bryce Frederic Denno (ASN: 0-23161), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Executive Officer, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at daybreak on 12 July 1943, in the vicinity of Niscemi, Sicily, while under fire. The Company Commander of the Regimental Cannon Company, which was in direct support, was wounded while trying to repel a violent enemy tank attack against the two forward companies of the battalion. Seeing the need for immediate control Major Denno crossed 500 yards of open terrain in the face of heavy machine-gun and artillery fire and took command of a section of the Cannon Company consisting of one half-track, which he had previously leaped into to lead the charge, until it was knocked out of action by enemy fire. He then crossed to the full-track and manned its gun himself, bringing successful fire on the enemy tanks until the attack was repelled. Major Denno’s rapid and heroic action, undertaken with great initiative and leadership, enabled his battalion to go on and capture its objective. This success was in a large measure responsible for the victory of his regiment on this day and was an inspiration to all who witnessed it. Major Denno’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Infantry) Bryce Frederic Denno (ASN: 0-23161), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1963 to 1965.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major (Infantry)Regiment:
16th Infantry RegimentDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
November 9 & 10, 1942
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 33 (December 7, 1942)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Bryce Frederic Denno (ASN: 0-23161), United States Army, for while serving with Cannon Company, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action east of Oran, Algeria, 9 and 10 November 1942. During the Oran offensive, when the 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, was taken suddenly under heavy enemy rifle, machine gun and artillery fire, Captain Denno unhesitatingly put his guns into action and placed effective artillery fire upon enemy positions. Later Captain Denno, on his own initiative and with complete disregard of personal safety, led the guns of his company into the front lines of the attacking troops. This action was responsible for the immediate success of the battalion. Captain Denno’s initiative and coolness under fire were an inspiration to the officers and men of the 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Denno, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
66th Infantry RegimentDivision:
71st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 71st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 81 (1945)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Bryce Frederic Denno (ASN: 0-23161), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving with Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 66th Infantry Regiment, 71st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations, in 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Denno, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Division:
Military Assistant Command, VietnamAction Date:
1962 – 1963
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Infantry) Bryce Frederic Denno (ASN: 0-23161), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving with the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, from 1962 to 1963.