Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Unit:

Company L, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull" U.S. Army (Company L, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull" U.S. Army)

David Lopez, 36621697, Staff Sergeant, Infantry, United States Army. For extraordinary heroism in action, on 1 June 1944, near Lanuvio, Italy. Staff Sergeant Lopez’ company, attacking a strong enemy position, was stopped and pinned down by heavy machine gun fire from two well entrenched emplacements. Staff Sergeant Lopez, voluntarily and alone, advanced through heavy fire from both weapons up a knoll on which the machine guns were located. Approaching to a point within thirty yards of one of the hostile emplacements, he opened fire with his submachine gun, wounded the gunner and forced four other members of the crew to surrender. Still under fire from the second hostile weapon, Staff Sergeant Lopez, with the assistance of another man, advanced upon his position and together they succeeded in killing the four Germans manning the gun. The company as able to advanced and take its objective. Staff Sergeant Lopez, in neutralizing the second machine gun, sustained a shattered leg. Unable to move and unwilling to become a burden to his comrades, he remained behind and was captured by the Germans after a counterattack had necessitated a withdrawal. Remaining calm despite his painful wound, Staff Sergeant Lopez obtained valuable information of the enemy. His company attacked again, and Staff Sergeant Lopez rejoined his comrades with information which materially aided them in repelling a subsequent German counterattack. His intrepid accomplishments exemplify the heroic traditions of the American Infantryman. Entered military service from Chicago, Illinois.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 148 (1944).