Eli M. Bozickovich
Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army

On 18 January 1945, Technician Fifth Grade Eli M. Bozickovich was serving with the Medical Detachment, 772nd Tank Destroyer Battalion, First U.S. Army in the European Theater of Operations.

On that day, TEC 5 Bozickovich's unit was in action against German forces in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge. TEC 5 Bozickovich's courageous actions and extraordinary heroism in trying to save others that day, at the cost of his life, earned him 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 2 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Medical Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Technician Fifth Grade Eli M. Bozickovich (ASN: 36361319), 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 Medical Detachment, 772d Tank Destroyer Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 18 January 1945. Technician Fifth Grade Bozickovich'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, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 45 (1945)

Burial

Technician Fifth Grade Eli M. Bozickovich is buried at the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial in Henri-Chapelle, Arrondissement de Verviers, Liège, Belgium in Plot G, Row 15, Grave 69.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=56279660