Sylvester Antolak

Sylvester Antolak was a United States Army Sergeant who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during World War II. On May 24, 1944, near Cisterna, Italy, Sergeant Antolak single-handedly charged an enemy machine gun nest. Despite being wounded three times, he continued his assault, killing several enemy soldiers and capturing others, which cleared the path for his squad.

His extreme bravery and self-sacrifice during the Italian Campaign of World War II became a legendary example of courage under fire. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration, for his actions that day.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Sergeant Antolak's service was recognized with the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and several campaign medals commemorating his service in the European theater.