Anthony Peter Damato-Hononlulu, HI
Posted by: Don.Morfe
N 21° 18.726 W 157° 50.724
4Q E 619750 N 2357127
World War II Medal of Honor Recipients for action on Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands on February 20, 1944. He was killed in action. He is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu HI in Section A, site 334.
Waymark Code: WMWY0R
Location: Hawaii, United States
Date Posted: 10/28/2017
Views: 0
He was born on March 28, 1922 in Shenandoah PA and died on February 20, 1944 in the Marshall Islands. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *DAMATO, ANTHONY PETER
• Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with an assault company in action against enemy Japanese forces on Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, on the night of 1920 February 1944. Highly vulnerable to sudden attack by small, fanatical groups of Japanese still at large despite the efficient and determined efforts of our forces to clear the area, Cpl. Damato lay with 2 comrades in a large foxhole in his company's defense perimeter which had been dangerously thinned by the forced withdrawal of nearly half of the available men. When 1 of the enemy approached the foxhole undetected and threw in a hand grenade, Cpl. Damato desperately groped for it in the darkness. Realizing the imminent peril to all 3 and fully aware of the consequences of his act, he unhesitatingly flung himself on the grenade and, although instantly killed as his body absorbed the explosion, saved the lives of his 2 companions. Cpl. Damato's splendid initiative, fearless conduct and valiant sacrifice reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.
Armed Service: Marines
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