The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] John C. Gazzetti (ASN: 32204829), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Lazio, Italy, on 30 December 1943. Staff Sergeant Gazzetti was serving as an automatic rifleman in the Reserve Platoon of Company C and as the unit moved towards the summit of a hill, he noted their need for automatic weapons fire. Without orders, he went up the hill, took a position, and began firing on the Germans with his automatic rifle. During the next 10 hours he kept up his fire on the German infantry and prevented them from launching an effective counter-attack on his badly-depleted Company. That night, he remained on the hill to protect the litter squads that were evacuating the wounded. Staff Sergeant Gazzetti’s 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.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class]Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
180th Infantry RegimentDivision:
45th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
December 30, 1943
Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 163 (1944) -
Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Staff SergeantBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
180th Infantry RegimentDivision:
45th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
October 23, 1944
Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 77 (March 3, 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 Staff Sergeant John C. Gazzetti (ASN: 32204829), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Fremifontaine, France, on 23 October 1944. On that day, Staff Sergeant Gazzetti’s unit was in action against German forces while crossing the Mortagne River in France during the Rhineland Campaign. Company C went across the River with Staff Sergeant Gazzetti, leader of the 1st Squad of the 1st Platoon, as the first man to cross. At the head of his men he led them into the heavy machine gun and mortar fire and, shortly after the assault started, a German bullet hit him in the neck. Despite the pain and loss of blood, he continued to lead his Squad against the Germans until he could no longer go on. Staff Sergeant Gazzetti refused his platoon leader’s attempts to get him to go to the rear for medical treatment insisted on trying to help the other wounded men in Company C. His platoon leader again tried to get him evacuated but he again refused to leave. Then, as Staff Sergeant Gazzetti weakly tried to move forward with his Company, a mortar shell killed him. Staff Sergeant Gazzetti’s outstanding leadership, dedication to his men, and his courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day, at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.