Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Commanding Officer, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

October 9th, 1944

Citation:
"For heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States, in the vicinity of ***, France, on 19 and 20 September 1944. Lieutenant Cecka, Commanding Officer, Company I, 134th Infantry, led his company in an attack which resulted in the capture of the town of Agincourt, France, on 19 September. Although wounded in the leg shortly after the attack started, he refused treatment or evacuation and remained in active command of his company. When enemy forces launched strong counterattacks under cover of a heavy fog on the following day, Lieutenant Cecka directed defensive artillery fire from his command post so effectively that all enemy attacks were repulsed. Lieutenant Cecka’s dynamic leadership, tactical initiative and utter disregard for personal welfare or safety reflect credit upon his character as an officer and upon the military service. He became missing in action in a subsequent engagement with the enemy."

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 42 (9 October 1944).