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name
FONTES, Eugene Anthony - Date of
birth
17 October 1920 -
Age
24 - Place of
birth
Rhode Island -
Hometown
Providence County, Rhode Island
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
31445998 -
Rank
Private -
Function
Medical Aidman -
Unit
60th Infantry Regiment,
9th Infantry Division,
Medical Detachment
-
Awards
Distinguished Service Cross,
Bronze Star,
Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
13 December 1944 - Place of
death
Hürtgen Forest, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| B | 16 | 30 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Manuel W. Fontes (father)
Sadie E. (Sousa) Fontes (mother)
Alice Fontes (sister)
Mildred Fontes (sister)
Lawrence Fontes (brother)
Shirley Fontes (sister)
Elizabeth Fontes (sister)
Patricia Fontes (sister)
Jacquelyn Fontes (sister)
More information
Pvt Eugene A. Fontes enlisted in Providence, Rhode Island on 18 October 1943.He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously. The citation cited: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 13 December 1944, in Germany. When a sergeant was severely wounded by shell fragments during a hostile artillery concentration, Pvt Fontes voluntarily crossed a fire-swept field to reach the wounded soldier. He was administering medical treatment when the sounds of an approaching shell were heard. Disdaining cover, he shielded the wounded man with his body. The shell landed nearby, killing Pvt Fontes instantly. The heroic and selfless actions of Private Fontes prevented further injuries to his wounded patient. His 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 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, www.ancestry.com - WWII Enlistment Record / Distinguished Service Cross, www.findagrave.com - Billyb300
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery / Jerry & Florence McCauley, Nancy J. White (niece)