Albert I. Nendza

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Albert I. Nendza, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 8 November 1942, during the amphibious assault on Algeria in North Africa. On two occasions at La Nacta, Algeria, on 8 November 1942, Private First Class Nendza distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism. He, of his own volition and without command, disregarding his personal safety, crossed an open field which offered no cover, under heavy fire, and captured four hostile snipers; this act of heroism permitted the unhampered advance of his platoon. A short time later, again on his own initiative, Private First Class Nendza crossed three hundred yards of open terrain covered by close enemy fire, and captured at the point of his bayonet a machine-gun nest, thereby saving his comrades from the danger of ambush. Private First Class Nendza’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 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.