Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Albert I. Nendza (ASN: 12014288), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from April through August 1943. When an enemy machine gun seriously threatened the safety of his company, Sergeant Nendza crawled within close range of the enemy and, by skillfully throwing a grenade, compelled them to withdraw. His fearlessness under fire was an inspiration to the members of his company. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944

    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 45 (July 22, 1944)

    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 Staff Sergeant Albert I. Nendza (ASN: 12014288), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 8, 1942

    Headquarters, FIFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 18 (February 23, 1943)

    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 Private First Class Albert I. Nendza (ASN: 12014288), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 8 November 1942, during the amphibious assault on Algeria in North Africa. On two occasions at La Nacta, Algeria, on 8 November 1942, Private First Class Nendza distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism. He, of his own volition and without command, disregarding his personal safety, crossed an open field which offered no cover, under heavy fire, and captured four hostile snipers; this act of heroism permitted the unhampered advance of his platoon. A short time later, again on his own initiative, Private First Class Nendza crossed three hundred yards of open terrain covered by close enemy fire, and captured at the point of his bayonet a machine-gun nest, thereby saving his comrades from the danger of ambush. Private First Class Nendza’s extraordinary heroism, 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.