Joseph Angelo

Joseph T. Angelo (16 February, 1896 – 23 July, 1978) was an American veteran of World War I and recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross. He played an instrumental role during the Meuse–Argonne offensive on September 26, 1918, saving the life of then Colonel, future General George S. Patton. At the time, Angelo was serving with the 304th Tank Brigade. During the battle, Patton was seriously wounded by a machine gun and Angelo, displaying exceptional courage, pulled him to safety under enemy fire. This brave act not only earned him the Distinguished Service Cross, but he even got praised by Patton as the 'bravest man in the American Army'. Prior to his brave service, Angelo worked for the Du Pont Powderworks and later, he would be involved in the Bonus Army movement of the 1930s, demanding immediate payout of the promised compensation to the veterans of World War I due to the Great Depression. He last met Patton during the quelling of these protests in Washington D.C., a meeting that ended with a harsh rejection from his former savior.