Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Executive Officer and 1st Platoon Leader, Company C, 38th Armored Infantry Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

November 23rd, 1944

For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against the enemy. On 16 August 1944, in an attack near Lèves, France, Lieutenant Fortuna was given the mission of clearing the town of enemy resistance. Having avaiable only men inexperienced in battle, Lieutenant Fortuna elected to lead the assault party. Displaying great intrepidity and heroic leadership, he led his men from building to building, repeatedly exposing himself, purposely drawing enemy fire to ascertain their positions. During this assault six machine guns were silenced, ten prisoners were captured and many of the enemy were killed or wounded. After the main street of the town had been cleared of organized enemy resistance, Lieutenant Fortuna worked his way back to his unit through sporadic enemy sniping to lead the forward elements of his battalion through the town and on toward their objective. The extraordinary heroism and courageous actions of Lieutenant Fortuna reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. Entered service from New York.

Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 48 (1944).