Michael Valente

Michael Valente (February 5, 1895 – January 10, 1976) was an Italian-born American soldier who served the United States Army in World War I. He received the United States military's highest decorationthe Medal of Honorfor his actions in France on September 29, 1918.

Biography Original caption: President Hoover presents Congressional Medal of Honor to World War hero. Michael Valente, formerly Private, Company D, 107th Infantry, 27th Division during the World War, receiving from President Hoover the Congressional Medal of Honor at the White House today. Valente receives the medal for bravery while in Hindenberg Line during the World War. He enlisted at Ogdensburg, N.Y., but is now a resident of Long Beach, N.Y.

Born on February 5, 1895 in Cassino, Italy,

MICHAEL VALENTE, Pvt., Co. D.British Military Medal

Pvt. Michael Valente, Co. D, 107th Inf., when this company's advance on the Knoll, in the Hindenburg Line near Ronssoy, September 29, 1918, was checked, went forward in utter disregard of personal danger to himself, and attacked two machine gun nests that were causing trouble. He made three successful raids upon the position, in the first raid taking 7 prisoners and sending them to the rear. Going back again, with nothing but a "potato masher," he charged this same position, compelling 5 more of the enemy to surrender, and sent them to the rear. In the meantime the enemy had placed a sniper at the end of the trench which Pvt. Valente had to use. Knowing this, he worked his way up another trench and patiently waited for his shot. The enemy, thinking that everything was clear, exposed himself and was killed by Pvt. Valente with rifle fire. The way clear, he returned to the machine gun nest, rushed in and took 5 more prisoners. In charging this position, he forced numbers of Germans to retreat over the top, where they were taken care of by our rifle fire. This soldier was later wounded and evacuated. By his courage and utter disregard for personal safety, he set a fine example to his comrades.

Military Awards Valente's military decorations and awards include:

1st rowMedal of Honor2nd rowPurple HeartWorld War I Victory Medal w/three bronze service stars to denote credit for the Somme Offensive, Ypres-Lys and Defensive Sector battle clasps.Military Medal (Great Britain)