Nicholas F. Valentino
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 31 January 1944, Staff Sergeant Nicholas F. Valentino was serving with Company M (Heavy Weapons), 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Seventh U.S. Army.

On that day, SSG Valentino’s unit was in action against German forces while holding the Anzio beachhead during the Battle of Anzio in Italy. SSG Valentino’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 Defense Service 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)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Nicholas F. Valentino (ASN: 32358203), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 31 January 1944. Staff Sergeant Valentino'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.

Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 110 (1944)

Burial

Staff Sergeant Nicholas F. Valentino is buried at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Lazio, Italy, in Plot D, Row 2, Grave 12.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56315350/nicholas-f-valentino