Albert Catanese

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Albert Catanese (RA33256410), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Sergeant Catanese distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on at Taejon, Korea, on 20 July 1950. On this date Sergeant Catanese, a squad leader, was in a defensive position with his squad while undergoing a heavy attack by numerically superior enemy forces, supported by artillery and mortar fire. During this action Sergeant Catanese was seriously wounded in the left arm but refused to be evacuated. The enemy surrounded his unit on three sides and Sergeant Catanese ordered the withdrawal of his men and, without regard for his own personal safety, he remained in position to cover them. Despite his painful wound, he continued to direct accurate fire on the enemy, firing his rifle with one hand and reloading by holding the rifle between his knees. By his personal bravery he insured the safe withdrawal of his squad.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 76 (September 20, 1950)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Albert Catanese (33256410), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 121st Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 8 December 1944. Private First Class Catanese’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 8th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.