Brunelli, Austin Roger
- Date of birth:
- August 20th, 1907 (Brilliant/New Mexico, United States)
- Date of death:
- September 23rd, 1989
- Service number:
- 0-4640
- Nationality:
- American
Biography
He attended the US Naval Academy, and was appointed as a Second Lieutenant to the Marine Barracks at League Island, Pennsylvania. One of his instructors at League Island was then-Captain Graves Erskine, who would rise to the rank of Major General and command the 3rd Marine Division.
The training and instruction program of the 1930's USMC was an intense and lengthy process. Brunelli excelled at his duties, and after a few years at the Recruit Depot at Parris Island, was rewarded with sea duty aboard the USS Lexington and the USS Indianapolis. He was promoted to First Lieutenant in June, 1934.
Brunelli served breifly as a company officer with Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, before transferring to Pensacola, Florida, to attend Naval Flight School. From January 31 to December 7, 1936, Brunelli was classed as a Student Naval Aviator. However, he appears to have washed out near the end of his training: he was "dropped" from training on December 8 and transferred to Quantico, Virginia to join the 5th Marines. For the early part of 1937, Brunelli participated in fleet exercises; in May he became aide-de-camp to Major General Charles H. Lyman, then in August served with Major General James C. Breckinridge. In December, Brunelli received a promotion to Captain.
In May 1938, Captain Brunelli reported for sea duty once again. Until June, 1940, he spent time on a variety of warships in the vicinity of Pearl Harbor and San Diego. In mid 1940, Brunelli returned to Washington, DC to serve as aide-de-camp once again - this time, to Major General Thomas Holcomb.
Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Awarded on:
- May 3rd, 1944
"for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of an Assault Landing Team in the capture of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, on 1 - 2 February 1944. On the morning of 1 February, there were available only about sixty percent of the landing craft required for his assault units; this necessitated major changes in the plans and organization for the landing. Absorbing a company sent to support his landing force, he quickly and skillfully reorganized his unit on the line of departure. Upon landing he quickly gained control of the landing units and under his vigorous leadership the landing team reached its first objective promptly. Later that afternoon the landing team participated in a coordinated attack; overrunning fortified and entrenched positions. At dawn next morning a strong counter attack by fanatical Japanese was repulsed and, later, his unit played an important part in the final assault to wipe out the last enemy resistance. Under his inspiring leadership, his landing team distinguished itself in its first engagement by its vigorous action and will to close with the enemy. His skillful and inspiring leadership was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)"
With Combat "V"
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, from 18 June to 4 July 1944. A daring and courageous leader, Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli boldly led his men against heavily fortified hostile positions and, engaging the enemy in furious combat, succeeded in gaining bitterly contested terrain. When two of his companies were reduced in strength by heavy Marine casualties and were forced to withdraw a short distance from the assigned objective after a day of continuous assault over almost impassable ground, he promptly made a personal reconnaissance in the face of savage fire and, skillfully reestablishing his lines, resumed contact with the adjacent units, thereby insuring the success of the day's operations. Later on 28 and 29 June, when his battalion was ordered to fill a dangerous gap between two units, he again reconnoitered under enemy fire and, effectively directing his forces into position, launched a daring and successful attack. By his fearless leadership, cool courage and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of strong Japanese resistance, Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli contributed to the success of our forces on Saipan, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Commanding General, FMF, Pacific: Serial 361
"For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 8 to 16 March 1945. When he returned to duty after being wounded and evacuated, Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli assumed command of the Battalion which had suffered heavy casualties and, making a personal reconnaissance of his entire front lines, reorganized his badly depleted units into two rifle companies. Restoring the fighting spirit of his men and resuming the attack in coordination with units on his flanks, he contributed materially to the substantial gains of his Battalion against the fanatical resistance of their general advance in the face of intense hostile fire until the resistance of the enemy was completely overcome. His gallant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 41635
- Period:
- Korean War (1950-1953)
- Rank:
- Colonel
- Awarded on:
- August 20th, 1952
"for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of a Marine Division during operations against the enemy in Korea from 23 March to 20 August 1952. Colonel Brunelli exhibited the highest in professional proficiency in the performance of staff functioning, he worked long and strenuous hours with complete disregard for his personal fatigue, skillfully coordinating the work of the general and special staff groups. With keen foresight, he supervised the preparation of plans and orders which resulted in promoting the combat efficiency of the Division. By his initiative and devotion to duty, he conducted a continuous study of the situation whereby he was at all times prepared for future contingencies, which was of inestimable aid to the Commanding General. Colonel Brunelli, by his skillful supervision and coordination of the Staff and his sound professional judgment, contributed immeasurably to the success of the Division. His highly competent service and exemplary conduct throughout the period were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Brunelli is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)"
Commanding General 1st Marine Division: Serial 24200
--
Second LoM received as Gold Star with Combat "V"
Sources
Legion of Merit - US Military
