Mario J. Fortuna

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Mario J. Fortuna, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 38th Armored Infantry Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 16 August 1944, in France. During an attack near Leves, France, Lieutenant Fortuna was given the mission of clearing the town of enemy resistance. Having available only men inexperienced in battle, Lieutenant Fortuna elected to lead the assault party. Displaying great intrepidity and heroic leadership, he led his men from building to building, repeatedly exposing himself, purposely drawing enemy fire to ascertain their positions. During this assault six machine guns were silenced, ten prisoners were captured and many of the enemy were killed or wounded. After the main street of the town had been cleared of organized enemy resistance, Lieutenant Fortuna worked his way back to his unit through sporadic enemy sniping to lead the forward elements of his battalion through the town and on toward their objective. First Lieutenant Fortuna’s courageous actions, extraordinary heroism and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.