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Shapiro, William

Service number:
O-1312344
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
1st Lieutenant
Unit:
Company M, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army (Company M, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army)
First Lieutenant William Shapiro, O-1312344 (then second lieutenant), Infantry, United States Army, for heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States near *** [Lutrebois], Belgium on 31 December 1944. Lieutenant Shapiro directed the fire and movement of his machine gun platoon in support of a rifle company holding defensive positions in the vicinity of *** [Lutrebois]. A powerful enemy attack, supported by armor, forced the rifle company to withdraw. Lieutenant Shapiro maintain his platoon in position for more than an hour, displaying a high order of personal bravery and inspiring his troops to withstand three sharp attacks. Only when the pressure of numerically superior enemy forces endangered his flank did Lieutenant Shapiro order a withdrawal, which he directed with such consummate skill that all members of his platoon reached the new position with their weapons and equipment. Lieutenant Shapiro’s cool-headed actions honor his character as an officer and leader of men.
Entered military service from New Jersey.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 13 (20 February 1945).
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
1st Lieutenant
Unit:
Company M, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army
For wounds received in action on 1 January 1945 in the Ardennes, Belgium.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 49 (25 June 1945).
Purple Heart

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