Eugene J. Procaccini
Private First Class, U.S. Army

On 29 February 1944, Private First Class Eugene J. Procaccini was serving with the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, U.S. Army.

On that day, PFC Procaccini’s unit was in action against German forces at Anzio, Italy, where the 3rd Division was fighting off an attack by 3 German Divisions. In a single day of combat at Anzio, the 3rd Infantry Division suffered more than 900 casualties, the most of any division on one day in World War II. PFC Procaccini’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and Silver Star
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Private First Class Eugene J. Procaccini (ASN: 32758880), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 29 February 1944. Private First Class Procaccini'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 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

War Department, General Orders No. 65 (October 21, 1945)

Burial

Private First Class Eugene J. Procaccini is buried at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Lazio, Italy in Plot C, Row 8, Grave 17.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56313392/eugene-j-procaccini