Lewis Albanese

Private First Class Lewis Albanese was an Italian-born United States Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during the Vietnam War. Born Luigi Albanese in Italy, he immigrated to the United States and subsequently joined the U.S. Army to serve his adopted country.

While serving with Company B, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division in the Republic of Vietnam, Albanese's platoon came under heavy fire. During the firefight, he pushed forward and single-handedly overran a series of enemy positions, securing the platoon's flank and saving numerous lives at the cost of his own.

His extraordinary heroism and selflessness in the face of the enemy earned him the United States' highest military decoration, alongside several other posthumous commendations for his sacrifice and service.