Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Unit:

HQ Company, 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army (HQ Company, 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army)

Citation:
Private First Class John Ceffalo, Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 6 June 1944 near Ste. Mère-Eglise, Normandy, France. Landing by parachute he assembled, organized and led a reinforced machine gun squad that repulsed numerous armor-led hostile attacks. He personally disabled one enemy half-track and laid a number of road mines under fire that enabled his group to defeat the armored car and infantry attacks until relieved. Private First Class Ceffalo's iniative, gallantry, and superior combat leadership made a vital contribution to the success of his unit on D-Day, reflecting the highest credit upon himself and the Parachute Infantry.