Navy Federal Credit Union

After earning a Distinguished Service Cross in November 1944, Tony Kudiak was Killed in Action on December 16, 1944.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant [then Sergeant]

    Regiment:

    112th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    28th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 5, 1944

    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 25 (February 12, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant [then Sergeant] Tony Kudiak (ASN: 20312736), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 112th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 5 November 1944, in Germany. As an enemy tank approximately one hundred yards away threatened his squad’s position, Technical Sergeant Kudiak secured a rocket launcher and stalked the tank. Ignoring intense tank fire, he advanced to within twenty yards of the tank, fired two rounds and completely immobilized it. As the crew attempted to escape the flaming tank, he killed or wounded the entire crew with his rifle. When the enemy launched a second counterattack, Technical Sergeant Kudiak proceeded voluntarily to an abandoned tank destroyer and fired fifteen rounds at the assaulting Germans at close range, inflicting heavy casualties and blocking the enemy advance. Technical Sergeant Kudiak’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 28th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.