Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    317th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    80th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 19, 1944

    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 21 (January 22, 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 Corporal James A. Rapino (ASN: 33283408), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Brattle, France, on 19 September 1944. During fighting near Brate, France, Corporal Rapino’s company advanced to seize high ground, leaving pockets of enemy resistance behind. When an enemy force was discovered dug in on the right flank of his company, Corporal Rapino and his squad were assigned to clean them out. By maneuvering his men within grenade-throwing distance, he led them into hand-to-hand fighting, destroying four German mortar positions, three half-tracks, and killing or routing their crews. Returning to the company, the squad was ambushed. Again Corporal Rapino led his men into combat. Several enemy were killed and two taken prisoner, but Corporal Rapino suffered severe wounds which later resulted in his death. Corporal Rapino’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty 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 80th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.