Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

Company F, 413th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division "Timberwolf", U.S. Army (Company F, 413th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry "Timberwolf" Division, U.S. Army)

Private First Class James V. Polio (Army Serial No. 33299528), Infantry, 413th Infantry Regiment, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in Germany on 28 November 1944. On the afternoon of 28 November 1944 elements of the company to which Private Polio was assigned were advancing toward their objective when they were suddenly pinned to the ground by heavy machine gun and sniper fire from well-concealed enemy positions 300 yards to their immediate front. Private Polio, voluntarily and on his own initiative, crawled from his covered position and, at great risk to his life, advanced toward the enemy, exposing himself to the merciless fire in order to locate the enemy positions. After ascertaining the enemy's disposition and relaying this information to his company commander, he nevertheless continued to advance on the hostile positions in the face of intense fire, attacking and eliminating a machine gun nest with a rifle grenade. He then continued on into the enemy positions, using his rifle and hand grenades to wipe out a second machine gun nest before being killed by sniper fire. His heroic sacrifice undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades in the subsequent advance of the company. His action, far above and beyond the ordinary call of duty, is in keeping with the finest traditions of the armed forces of the United States and reflects the highest credit on Private Polio and the military service. Entered military service from Hazlehurst, Pennsylvania.


Posthumously awarded.