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Armellino, John Ralph

Date of birth:
February 21st, 1921 (West New York-Hudson County/New Jersey, United States)
Date of death:
September 17th, 2004
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Servicenumber 0-442775.

John Armellino was born on February 21st, 1921 as the son of Nicholas Armellino and Emilia (DiRito) Armellino.

He was married to Nina Ritchick on November 24th, 1946. He was Mayor of West New York, New Jersey from 1951 until 1971. He passed away on September 17th, 2004 and liesburied at the Flower Hill Cemetery in North Bergen, New Jersey.

For his part in the fightings as member of the 1st Infantry Division, John R. Armellino was also entitled to wear the Presidential Unit Citation and the Fourragere to the French Croix de Guerre.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
Company L, 3rd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division "The Big Red One", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
July 1st, 1944
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Company L, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. Upon landing initially on the coast of France in the face of heavy enemy rifle, machine gun and artillery fire, Captain Armellino quickly moved his men behind the slight cover afforded by a three-foot shelf of shale. However, the constant and accurate fire from the cliff pinned his company down. Captain Armellino then exposed himself to this heavy enemy fire and moved up the beach to a group of four tanks which had been rendered immobile by enemy shells. Upon reaching the tanks, he placed himself before them and from this fire-swept position directed their fire on the enemy strongpoints. For forty-five minutes he continued to move from his company to the tanks coordinating their action. On one of the trips back to his company, he was severely wounded by enemy fire. Captain Armellino's inspiring leadership, 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, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 31 (July 1, 1944).
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Second Silver Star received as an oak leaf cluster for on the ribbon of the first Silver Star.
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Third Silver Star received as a second oak leaf cluster for on the ribbon of the first Silver Star.
Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Sources

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