Joe Gandara-Santa Monica, CA - Medal Of Honor Resting Places on Waymarking.com

He was born on April 25, 1924 in Santa Monica, CA and died on June 9, 1944 in Amfreville, Basse-Normandie, France. He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on March18, 2014 by the President. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *GANDARA, JOE Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company D, 2d Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division.
• Place and date: June 9, 1944, Amfreville, France
• Entered service at: Los Angeles, CA.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Private Joe Gandara distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Amfreville, France on June 9, 1944. On that day, Private Gandara's detachment came under devastating enemy fire from a strong German force, pinning the men to the ground for a period of four hours. Private Gandara voluntarily advanced alone toward the enemy position. Firing his machinegun from his hip as he moved forward, he destroyed three hostile machineguns before he was fatally wounded. Private Gandara's extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Armed Service: Army

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Date Logged Log User Rating   12/07/2021 Don.Morfe visited it