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Mucci, Henry A. "Hank"

Date of birth:
March 4th, 1909 (Bridgeport/Connecticut, United States)
Date of death:
April 20th, 1997 (Melbourne/Florida, United States)
Buried on:
United States Military Academy Post Cemetery
Plot: XXXII. Row: F. Grave: 102.
Service number:
0-20374
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
6th Ranger Battalion, Sixth Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
December 29th, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Henry Andrews Mucci (ASN: 0-20374), United States Army, for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy on 29 - 30 October 1944. Having led a patrol across the Island, Lieutenant Colonel Mucci personally led an attack against the enemy emplacement up a steep muddy trail. Under intensive mortar, machine gun, and rifle fire, and against superior numbers he signaled the patrol to advance. At the same moment he rushed forward into an exposed position making it possible for his men to locate and destroy the enemy automatic weapons covering the hill. Lieutenant Colonel Mucci then personally led the final assault which resulted in the complete annihilation of the enemy.

With "V" Device and Oak leaf cluster
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
6th Ranger Battalion, Sixth Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
October 9th, 1944
Soldier's Medal (SM)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] Henry Andrews Mucci (ASN: 0-20374), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at ***, on 7 March 1943. During the morning of 7 March 1943, a group of men were stranded in an LCM, the motor of which had failed about 1/4 mile offshore, while undergoing amphibious training near ***. Colonel Mucci was an observer of the operation from the shore. Private Louis Berghammer, together with the other men aboard the LCM, all of who had life jackets, were ordered to swim ashore. Private Berghammer could not swim and soon lagged behind the others. His life jacket rapidly absorbing water, he shouted for help. Colonel Mucci hearing the call for assistance swam approximately 1/4 mile offshore without hesitating to discard his clothing. Hampered by his wet clothing, and heavy with water, and at the risk of his own life he towed Private Berghammer to shore against strong currents and rough waves. Private Berghammer's life jacket no longer held his head above water, and it was only through Colonel Mucci's quick action and disregard of the danger to his own life, that Private Berghammer was saved from drowning.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
6th Ranger Battalion, Sixth Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
February 21st, 1945
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Synopsis:
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 6th Ranger Infantry Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 30 January 1945, during the rescue of Allied Prisoners of War from the Cabanatuan Prison Camp in the Philippine Islands. Lieutenant Colonel Mucci's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 39 (1945).
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
6th Ranger Battalion, Sixth Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
April 23rd, 1945
Legion of Merit - US Military
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Henry Andrews Mucci (ASN: 0-20374), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Southwest Pacific Area from 13 March 1944 to 10 February 1945.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
6th Ranger Battalion, Sixth Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
April 11th, 1945
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Colonel (Infantry), [then Lieutenant Colonel] Henry Andrews Mucci (ASN: 0-20374), United States Army, for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy at ****, on 18 March 1945. While inspecting front line positions and directing an attack against a strongly held enemy location, Colonel Mucci and his staff came under heavy machine gun, artillery mortar fire. He remained in an exposed position in order to observe the disposition and direct the advance of his troops, at the same time ordering those near him to protected positions. He remained at an observation post until the objective was secured and only then permitted himself his first rest in forty-eight hours. Colonel Mucci's outstanding example of cool efficiency under fire and his devotion to duty were an inspiration to his officers and men and exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.

2nd award: Oak Leaf Cluster
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Colonel
Unit:
6th Ranger Battalion, Sixth Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:
July 11th, 1945
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With "Base" clasp
American Defence Service Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With four campaign stars and arrowhead device
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With 2 stars
Philippines Liberation Medal

Sources