William J. Balza
Encyclopedia
William J. Balza served in the United States Army
during World War II
. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross
for his actions during the Battle of Buna-Gona
.
His award citation reads:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class William J. Balza, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry, in action against enemy forces on 25 December 1942, near Buna, New Guinea. When an infantry Company was cut off from its battalion, Private First Class Balza, in an effort to reestablish communications, volunteered to attempt to carry a telephone line to the isolated company. Though forced back twice by heavy enemy fire, with courageous determination and complete disregard for his own safety, he crawled forward across an open field and succeeded in reaching the isolated company with the telephone line. Private First Class Balza's conspicuous courage and determination were an inspiration to the men of his unit. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Balza's home of record was Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
.
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
for his actions during the Battle of Buna-Gona
Battle of Buna-Gona
The Battle of Buna–Gona was a battle in the New Guinea campaign, a major part of the Pacific campaign of World War II. On 16 November 1942, Australian and United States forces attacked the main Japanese beachheads in New Guinea, at Buna, Sanananda and Gona. Both forces were riddled by disease and...
.
His award citation reads:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class William J. Balza, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry, in action against enemy forces on 25 December 1942, near Buna, New Guinea. When an infantry Company was cut off from its battalion, Private First Class Balza, in an effort to reestablish communications, volunteered to attempt to carry a telephone line to the isolated company. Though forced back twice by heavy enemy fire, with courageous determination and complete disregard for his own safety, he crawled forward across an open field and succeeded in reaching the isolated company with the telephone line. Private First Class Balza's conspicuous courage and determination were an inspiration to the men of his unit. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Balza's home of record was Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Bay is a city in and the county seat of Door County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 9,437 at the 2000 census. It is located at the natural end of Sturgeon Bay, although the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal was built across the remainder of the Door Peninsula.-Geography:Sturgeon Bay is...
.