"During his service in World War II, he participated in historic events including D-Day, Operations Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, and aided in the liberation of Germany. During this time, Mr. Dzieciuch's dedication as a first scout placed him in incredible risk, spending great care to successfully lead soldiers into combat," said Congressman Higgins. "A husband, father of four, and grandfather of three, his service to his country and community makes him an American hero. We were proud to be able to help ensure Private First Class Dzieciuch received the medals he earned over 75 years ago."

Growing up in Buffalo, Dzieciuch enlisted at the age of 17. Serving as a first scout, he was integral in destroying enemy communications and transportation networks after parachuting into enemy territory. His 18th birthday on January 22, came when he was deployed in what is widely considered the single bloodiest battle of WWII, the Battle of the Bulge. While participating in the liberation of Berchtesgaden, Germany, an area that included a residence of Adolf Hitler, Private First Class Dzieciuch and fellow service members happened upon Hitler's car, swapping the German plates for American ones before taking the car for a ride.

After the war, Dzieciuch worked at General Motors for 41 years, often on the third shift to provide for his wife and family. When his night shift ended, he would then often go to his second job as a Longshoreman on the Waterfront. This hard work and dedication paid off when the Dzieciuchs proudly were able to pay cash for their new family home in 1971.

During his over 2 years of service in the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Private First Class Dzieciuch earned the Army of Occupation Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 bronze service stars, the Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII. After outreach from his family, Congressman Higgins' office reached out to the Pentagon to request a set of PFC Dzieciuch's medals and delivered them to the family so that he had them on his 96th birthday on January 22.