John J. Achille
Technician Fourth Grade, U.S. Army

On 5 February 1945, then-Corporal John J. Achille was serving with the 11th Airborne Division, in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

On that day, CPL Achille was cited for extraordinary heroism in action against a hostile force. His courageous actions earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal (Merit)
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Corporal John J. Achille, United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action against a hostile force. Corporal Achille distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 5 February 1945 while serving with the 11th Airborne Division. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 11th Airborne Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 300 (1945)

Death and Burial

Technician Fourth Grade John J. Achille died on 22 July 2004. He is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Arlington County, VA, in Section 66, Site 2871-A.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=32420848