World War II Honoree

Sylvester Antolak

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

St. Clairsville, Ohio

Honored By

John Peterson

Near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, he charged 200 yards over flat, coverless terrain to destroy an enemy machine gun nest during the second day of the offensive which broke through the German cordon of steel around the Anzio beachhead. Fully 30 yards in advance of his squad, he ran into withering enemy machine gun, machine-pistol and rifle fire. Three times he was struck by bullets and knocked to the ground, but each time, he struggled to his feet to continue his relentless advance. While wounded, he continued to rush directly into the enemy fire. He reorganized his men and, refusing to seek the medical attention which was so badly needed, chose to lead the way toward another strong point 100 yards distant. he was instantly killed by hostile enemy fire.