Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Company C, 267th Special Reconnaissance Battalion, Office of Strategic Services (OSS), U.S. Government

Awarded on:

April 23rd, 1945

"For gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 267th Special Reconnaissance Battalion (Separate), in action on 8 September 1944. First Lieutenant Giannaris commanded a group of men which operated behind enemy lines in Greece. While leading his men on a mission to blow the track of the Athens-Salonika Railroad, enemy machine gun fire hit one of his men. In order to avoid falling into an ambush, First Lieutenant Giannaris ordered his men to withdraw to the safety of the hills, whereupon he went to the assistance of the wounded man. In so doing he stepped on a mine and suffered severe multiple wounds of the back, legs, and arms, however in the face of enemy fire and in spite of his injuries he continued until he reached the stricken man whom he found dead. Knowing that he must escape before enemy patrols discovered him, First Lieutenant Giannaris although seriously wounded and weak from loss of blood, after crawling for twenty-four hours on his hands and knees, succeeded in reaching a place of safety. His gallantry and devotion to his men were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the Armed Forces of the United States."

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces, Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 76