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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Frank J. Matwizyck (ASN: 12008014), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa, during the period from January to May 1943. When overwhelming enemy forces endangered his company’s emplacements, Sergeant Matwizyck, although under extremely heavy enemy fire, successfully led his platoon to a supporting position and forced the enemy to withdraw. 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

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 30, 1943
    Headquarters, U.S. Army-North African Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 47 (July 6, 1943)

    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 Frank J. Matwizyck (ASN: 12008014), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 30 April 1943 near Mateur, Tunisia. When his platoon became isolated during the assault of the 1st Battalion on Hill 523, Sergeant Matwizyck organized a defensive position that held against savage and repeated enemy counterattacks. Numerous times while under heavy small arms, mortar, and machine gun fire he personally forced the enemy to fall back by working toward them and grenading their positions. On the same day Sergeant Matwizyck was mortally wounded when he went to the rescue of two men trapped in an emplacement. The heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Matwizyck are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.