Arthur Fredrick DeFranzo was born on March 20, 1919 in Saugus, Essex County, Massachusetts. He served in the United States Army during World War II as a Staff Sergeant in the 1st Infantry Division. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery near Vaubadon, France, on June 10, 1944. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty. As scouts were advancing across an open field, the enemy suddenly opened fire with several machineguns and hit one of the men. S/Sgt. DeFranzo courageously moved out in the open to the aid of the wounded scout and was himself wounded but brought the man to safety. Refusing aid, S/Sgt. DeFranzo reentered the open field and led the advance upon the enemy. There were always at least two machineguns bringing unrelenting fire upon him, but S/Sgt. DeFranzo kept going forward, firing into the enemy and one by one the enemy emplacements became silent. While advancing he was again wounded, but continued on until he was within 100 yards of the enemy position and even as he fell, he kept firing his rifle and waving his men forward. When his company came up behind him, S/Sgt. DeFranzo, despite his many severe wounds, suddenly raised himself and once more moved forward in the lead of his men until he was again hit by enemy fire. In a final gesture of indomitable courage, he threw several grenades at the enemy machinegun position and completely destroyed the gun. In this action, S/Sgt. DeFranzo lost his life, but by bearing the brunt of the enemy fire in leading the attack, he prevented a delay in the assault which would have been of considerable benefit to the foe, and he made possible his company's advance with a minimum of casualties. The extraordinary heroism and magnificent devotion to duty displayed by S/Sgt. DeFranzo was a great inspiration to all about him, and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces". His medal was posthumously awarded to his family on January 4, 1945. He is now buried in Riverside Cemetery, Saugus, Essex County, Massachusetts, USA.
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