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 Dante T. ToneGuzzo (ASN: 35623097), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 9 April 1945, near Essen, Germany. When his platoon was pinned down by intense machine gunfire from two mutually supporting pillboxes, Private First Class ToneGuzzo arose, on his own initiative and with complete disregard for his personal safety, in the face of heavy automatic weapons’ fire, stormed the nearest pillbox. He threw a hand grenade into the emplacement, killing two enemy and causing nine others to surrender. Then, still alone, he unhesitatingly moved against the second pillbox, again exposing himself to intense machine gun and sniper fire. He threw another grenade, which killed one enemy and forced five others to surrender. The extraordinary heroism, personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Private First Class ToneGuzzo were a great inspiration to the men of his platoon, and were materially responsible for their advance to the final objective. Private First Class ToneGuzzo’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 17th Airborne Division, and the United States Army.