Distinguished Service Cross

The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to a person who while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguished himself or herself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor; while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing or foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing Armed Force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades

FRANK P. GAROFANO. DSC

FRANK P. GAROFANO, 20115488, Private First Class, Infantry, Company "G", 502d Parachute Infantry Regiment, for extraordinary heroism in action on 19 September 1944, near Best, Holland. The enemy attacked from three sides and, supported by artillery fire, threatened to envelop his company. In spite of the heavy barrage, Private First Class Garofano fired his sub-machine gun at the advancing enemy, killing nine and wounding three. Aware that his platoon's assault was impaired by the intense fire, he instructed a comrade to cover him while he moved to the flank in an attempt to enter an enemy-held house. Crawling forward, he reached a position ten feet from his objective. He threw a hand grenade into the house, forcing out its hostile occupants. Other forces immediately directed fire on him. Firing on the enemy with his sub-machine gun, he effected the surrender of ninety-three and wounded approximately thirty. His actions were in accord with the highest traditions of the armed forces. Entered military service from Pennsylvania. (DSC Write-up Courtesy of Bill Warnock)

Major John P. Stopka.  DSC 

Major John P. Stopka (Army Serial No. 025263), Infantry, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in combat on 11 June 1944, near Carentan, France. Major Stopka's battalion was engaged in a fierce battle with a numerically superior enemy force for the possession of a causeway leading into Carentan. During the night, the battalion had infiltrated across the last four hotly contested bridges. At about 0530 the battalion came under heavy enemy automatic weapons, mortar and artillery fire, causing casualties at an alarming rate and making the battalion position extremely precarious. Rather than withdraw, the battalion commander issued an order to assault the enemy position with fixed bayonets. Major Stopka, from his position across the road from the battalion commander, was able to coordinate the efforts of the two companies in the assault, but only by exposing himself continuously to the heavy enemy fire. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Major Stopka disseminated the order to the two companies under his control. When the signal for the assault was given, he was the first man to get to his feet and move forward across the road into the open field in front of the enemy positions. Major Stopka's actions in the face of the enemy, and his complete devotion to duty exemplify leadership of the highest order and his conduct set an example to the officers and men under him., inspiring them with the aggressiveness and determination necessary to rout the enemy from their strongly held positions. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces of the United States. Entered military service from Wyoming. (DSC Write-up Courtesy of Bill Warnock)

Lieutenant Robert G. Pick . DSC

First Lieutenant Robert G. Pick (Army Serial No 01290998), Infantry, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 11 June 1944, when his battalion was attacking Carentan, France. The initial mission assigned to First Lieutenant Pick, the Assistant Regimental Intelligence Officer, was to gain information. However, realizing that this front line battalion was badly in need of ammunition in order to continue the attack, he voluntarily assumed the responsibility of replenishing the supply. Under a heavy barrage of enemy machine gun, mortar and artillery fire and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he made repeated trips in a three-quarter ton vehicle to the battalion, carrying vitally needed ammunition. Each trip necessitated his driving on a raised causeway over inundated terrain under heavy fire of more than six enemy machine guns at the range of 300 yards, but he never once hesitated in this task. By his unusual display of outstanding bravery, courage and determination, he materially aided in enabling the battalion to sustain the attack against a strong enemy force and was personally responsible for saving the lives of a number of seriously wounded officers and enlisted men. His actions throughout the entire operation reflects great credit upon himself and his conduct was in accordance with the highest traditions of the military service. Entered military service from Wisconsin. (DSC Write-up Courtesy of Bill Warnock)