Anthony L. Krotiak Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS

ANTHONY L. KROTIAK

UNITED STATES ARMY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Anton L. Krotiak (ASN: 36306223), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty on 8 May 1945, while serving with Company I, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action at Balete Pass, Luzon, Philippine Islands. Private First Class Krotiak was an acting squad leader, directing his men in consolidating a newly won position on Hill B when the enemy concentrated small arms fire and grenades upon him and four others, driving them to cover in an abandoned Japanese trench. A grenade thrown from above landed in the center of the group. Instantly pushing his comrades aside and jamming the grenade into the earth with his rifle butt, he threw himself over it, making a shield of his body to protect the other men. The grenade exploded under him, and he died a few minutes later. By his extraordinary heroism in deliberately giving his life to save those of his comrades, Private First Class Krotiak set an inspiring example of utter devotion and self-sacrifice which reflects the highest traditions of the military service.

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Born: Aug. 15, 1915 in Chicago, Ill…. Interred: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, Ill.