Fred Vincent
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 31 January 1944, then-Staff Sergeant Fred Vincent was serving with the 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, Seventh U.S. Army.

On that day, SSG Vincent’s unit was in action against German forces during the First Battle of Monte Cassino, in Italy. SSG Vincent’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 Sergeant Fred Vincent (ASN: 34049153), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 31 January 1944. Sergeant Vincent'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 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 72 (1944)

Burial

Staff Sergeant Fred Vincent is buried at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Lazio, Italy in Plot H, Row 15, Grave 18.