17th Armored Engineer Battalion in World War 2

17th Engineers during World War Two

Private First Class Frank Thomas Russo

The Story of Private First Class
Frank Thomas Russo

A.S.N. 34195323
Company: Uknown, 17th Armored Engineer Battalion


Bronze Star Medal Citation Private First Class Frank T. Russo ASN 34195323

Bronze Star Medal

Bronze Star Medal

Award Bronze Star Franks T Russo

Award Bronze Star Franks T Russo

Transcribed citation


Headquarters 2nd Armored Division

Office of the Division Commander

APO 252

 

200.6-Russi, Frank T.

SUBJECT: Award of Bronze Star Medal.

To: Private First Class Frank T Russo,

34195323, Corps of Engineers, United States Army.

 

Under the provision of Army Regulations 600-45 as amended, you are awarded Bornse Star Medal for Meritorious service by section V, General Order Number 42, this Headquarters, dated 18 September 1944, as set forth in the following:

CITATION

Private First Class Frank T. Russo, ASN 34195323, Corps of Engineers, 17th Armored Engineer Battalion, United States Army. For Meritorious service om 29 july 1944, in France, in connection with Militairy operations against the enemy. On 29 July 1944, two miles east of Trelly, France, Private First Class Russo fired on an enemy vehicle in wich two high ranking Gemran officers and their driver attempted to escape. This action resulted in the death of one officer and the driver. The remaining officer escaped ta a nearby building. Armed with a machinegun and hand grenades Private First Class Russo then attacked the building which resulted in routing the officer. Later that same day Private First Class Russo located and captured four enemy artilleryman who manning a forward observation post. His courageous actions was accomplished without regard to his personal safety and was in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service.

E.N. Harmon

Major General, U.S. Army

Commanding

 


 More context can be find on Phase I – The “Break-Through”.

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Bronze Star Medal Citation;Oak Leaf Private First Class Frank T. Russo ASN 34195323

 

Bronze star oak leaf

Bronze star oak leaf

Bronze Star Medal Citation PFC F. Russo

Bronze Star Medal Citation PFC F. Russo

 

Transcribed citation


Award of the Bronze Star Medal Citation

Private First Class Frank T. Russo, 34195323, Corps of Engineers, 17th Armored Engineer Battalion, is awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star for heroic achievement on 16 September 1944 in Holland, in connection with military operations against the enemy. On 16 September 1944 Private First Class Frank T. Russo participated with is platoon in the preparation of a crossing over the Geul  River about two miles northeast of Maastricht, Holland. Enemy machine gunners opened fire inflicting severe casualties on our troops. Traversing an open field through machine gun cross fire Private First Class Russo made several trips with his one-quarter tons vehicle but despite the intense fire he returned again and again to assist his fallen comrades. His courage and devotion to duty reflected high credit upon himself and upon the military service.
Enterd Military Service from Georgia.

J.H. Collier
Birgadier General, U.S. Army
COMMANDING


More context of the operation can be find on Phase I – First push into Germany.

Source photos: Usmilitariaforum.com 

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United States World War II Army Enlistment Records

Name Frank T Russo
Name (Original) RUSSO FRANK T
Event Type Military Service
Event Date 06 Jan 1942
Term of Enlistment Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Event Place Ft Mcpherson, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Race White
Citizenship Status citizen
Birth Year 1919
Birthplace MASSACHUSETTS
Education Level Grammar school
Civilian Occupation Semiskilled chauffeurs and drivers, bus, taxi, truck, and tractor
Marital Status Single, with dependents
Military Rank Private
Army Branch Branch Immaterial – Warrant Officers, USA
Army Component Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source Reference Civil Life
Serial Number 34195323
 

Frank T Russo Draft Registration CardsFrank T Russo Draft Registration CardsFrank T Russo Draft Registration Cards

Frank T Russo Draft Registration Cards (source:/familysearch.org)

 Georgia World War II Draft Registration Card

Name Frank Thomas Russo
Event Type Draft Registration
Event Date 1940-1942
Event Place Savannah, Chatham, Georgia, United States
Gender Male
Relationship to Veteran Mother
Birth Date 02 Jan 1919
Birthplace Milford, Massachusetts
Country of Citizenship United States
Relative’s Name Julia Graso Russo
Relative’s Address Savannah, Chatham, Georgia
Affiliate Record Group 147

US Sensus 1940

Household
Role
Sex
Age
Birthplace
Julia Russo Head F 65 Turkey
Charles Russo Son M 27 Massachusetts
John Russo Son M 24 Massachusetts
Frank Russo Son M 21 Massachusetts
US Senus 1940 Frank T Russo, Georgia

US Sensus 1940 Frank T Russo, Georgia (familysearch.org)


Find A Grave Index

Name Frank Thomas Russo
Event Type Burial
Event Date 2013
Event Place Rockville, Montgomery, Maryland, United States of America
Photograph Included N
Birth Date 02 Jan 1919
Death Date 19 Sep 2013
Affiliate Record Identifier 117445759
Cemetery Parklawn Memorial Park and Menorah Gardens

(Source: findagrave.com) 

Grave stone Frank T Russo

Gravestone Frank T Russo

Mr Frank Thomas Russo

Mr Frank Thomas Russo (source: Findagrave.com)


Research © by: Martijn Brandjes 
Text © by: Martijn Brandjes
Photos © by: Findagrave.com, familysearch.org