World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Private in the U.S. Army in the 17th Airborne Division. He was killed in action during the D-Day Invasion at Amfreville, France. He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on March 18, 2014, by President Barack Obama at the White House. His niece, Miriam Theresa Adams, was presented the Medal on behalf of her uncle. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "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 machine gun from his hip as he moved forward, he destroyed three hostile machine guns 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."
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Private in the U.S. Army in the 17th Airborne Division. He was killed in action during the D-Day Invasion at Amfreville, France. He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on March 18, 2014, by President Barack Obama at the White House. His niece, Miriam Theresa Adams, was presented the Medal on behalf of her uncle. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "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 machine gun from his hip as he moved forward, he destroyed three hostile machine guns 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."
Bio by: Don Morfe
Inscription
MEDAL OF HONOR
PRIVATE
507 PRCHT INF 82 DIV
WORLD WAR II
CALIFORNIA
PVT 507 PRCHT INF 82 DIV
WORLD WAR II
Family Members
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