Arthur F. DeFranzo

Rescuing a scout and leading an attack under relentless fire

Arthur Frederick DeFranzo earned a posthumous Medal of Honor for rescuing a wounded soldier and leading an attack during the Normandy campaign. On 10 June 1944, near Vaubadon, France, the staff sergeant served with the 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.

Born in Saugus, Massachusetts, in March 1919, DeFranzo was accredited to his hometown. When German machine guns struck a scout crossing an open field, he went to the man's aid and brought him to safety despite being wounded himself. He then returned to lead the advance. Repeated wounds did not stop him firing, encouraging his soldiers and attacking the gun position with grenades.

DeFranzo graduated from Saugus High School in 1938 and worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps and at Converse Rubber Company before enlisting in November 1940. He trained at Fort Devens and served with Company K of the 18th Infantry in North Africa, Sicily and Normandy. His family recalled that he escaped after being captured in North Africa. He earned the Silver Star for gallantry on 7 June 1944, three days before his final action.

DeFranzo died during the action on 10 June 1944. He was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Saugus, Massachusetts, in Veterans Lot 3. His Medal of Honor citation recognizes both the rescue and the leadership that enabled his company to advance with fewer casualties.

Official Medal of Honor citation

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 10 June 1944, near Vaubadon, France. As scouts were advancing across an open field, the enemy suddenly opened fire with several machine guns and hit one of the men. SSgt. DeFranzo courageously moved out in the open to the aid of the wounded scout and was himself wounded but brought the man to safety. Refusing aid, SSgt. DeFranzo reentered the open field and led the advance upon the enemy.

There were always at least two machine-guns bringing unrelenting fire upon him, but SSgt. DeFranzo kept going forward, firing into the enemy and one by one the enemy emplacements became silent. While advancing he was again wounded, but continued on until he was within 100 yards of the enemy position and even as he fell, he kept firing his rifle and waving his men forward. When his company came up behind him, SSgt. DeFranzo, despite his many severe wounds, suddenly raised himself and once more moved forward in the lead of his men until he was again hit by enemy fire. In a final gesture of indomitable courage, he threw several grenades at the enemy machine-gun position and completely destroyed the gun. In this action SSgt. DeFranzo lost his life, but by bearing the brunt of the enemy fire in leading the attack, he prevented a delay in the assault which would have been of considerable benefit to the foe, and he made possible his company's advance with a minimum of casualties. The extraordinary heroism and magnificent devotion to duty displayed by SSgt. DeFranzo was a great inspiration to all about him and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.”