John J. Marzinsky

John J. Marzinski (32855513), Private First Class, Infantry, Company K, 168th Infantry Regiment. For gallantry in action on 28 September 1944 in Italy. While Pfc Marzinsky’s company occupied a town, the enemy counter-attacked and encircled the troops, completely cutting them off. Pfc Marzinsky, volunteering to break through the ring and summon reinforcements, left the house by way of a cellar, made his way behind piles of rubbish, through barns and alleyways and reached the outer ring of attackers before being discovered. As he dashed down the street, he ran through a gauntlet of heavy small arms fire. He reached the end of the street and then followed a trail, and although enemy fire followed him until he reached the crest of a hill, he did not hesitate until he reached the command post. He reported the situation and led a rescue party back. Inspired by his courage, the rescue party succeeded in routing the enemy and relieving the trapped men. The courage and initiative displayed by Pfc Marzinsky were a source of inspiration to the entire company and a key factor in the entire successful operation.