Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Unit:

Company C, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division "The Golden Talons", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

June 13th, 1945

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 9 April 1945, near Essen, Germany. When his platoon was pinned down by intense machine gunfire from two mutually supporting pillboxes, Private First Class ToneGuzzo arose, on his own initiative and with complete disregard for his personal safety, in the face of heavy automatic weapons' fire, stormed the nearest pillbox. He threw a hand grenade into the emplacement, killing two enemy and causing nine others to surrender. Then, still alone, he unhesitatingly moved against the second pillbox, again exposing himself to intense machine gun and sniper fire. He threw another grenade, which killed one enemy and forced five others to surrender. The extraordinary heroism, personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Private First Class ToneGuzzo were a great inspiration to the men of his platoon, and were materially responsible for their advance to the final objective. Private First Class ToneGuzzo's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 17th Airborne Division, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, XVIII Airborne Corps, General Orders No. 44 (13 June 1945).