Frank F. Aiello

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Frank F. Aiello (32002089), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 20 February 1943, at Kasserine Pass, Tunisia. While serving as leader of a section of machine guns, Sergeant Aiello was painfully wounded by an enemy grenade. Although ordered to seek first aid, he refused to leave his position, which was under heavy enemy attack, but continued to direct his section in repelling those attacks. Several hours later, when the platoon sector became untenable as a result of enemy penetrations and withdrawal to a new position through heavy machine-gun fire was ordered, Sergeant Aiello elected to remain behind, firing a machine gun at the advancing enemy to protect the withdrawal of his men by drawing to himself the fire and attention of the enemy. In so doing, he was mortally wounded. Sergeant Aiello’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.