Frank Van Morrelgem
Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 30 May 1944, Sergeant Frank Van Morrelgem was serving with the 13th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Fifth U.S. Army.

On that day, SGT Van Morrelgem’s 13th Armored Regiment was in action against German forces after Fifth Army broke out from Anzio, Italy, to link up with friendly forces to the south. 13th Armored units led the way, but unfortunately ran into an American minefield and lost many tanks when their tracks were blown off. SGT Van Morrelgem’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism on 30 May earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medal and Awards

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and 4 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal

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 Sergeant Frank Van Morrelgem (ASN: 32033699), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 13th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 30 May 1944, near Anzio, Italy. Sergeant Van Morrelgem'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 1st Armored Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 143 (1944)

Burial

Sergeant Frank Van Morrelgem is buried at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Lazio, Italy, in Plot G, row 10, Grave 15.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56315362/frank-van_morrelgem