Date of birth:

February 8th, 1921 (McKees Rocks/Pennsylvania, United States)

Date of death:

July 31st, 2012

Service number:

421262

Nationality:

American (1776 - present, Republic)

Ettore "Jim" Marsolo was born on February 8th, 1921 in McKees Rocks as son to Antonina Angelilli and Carlo Marsolo. He grew up in Pennsylvania, graduating from Jeannette High School in 1939and then attended California State Teachers College.

Jim served as a U.S .Marine in WWII and fought at Bettio Island in the Battle of Tarawa. In 1943 he was awarded the Purple Heart and Navy Cross for his actions in one of the bloodiest battles of Marine Corps history where the Marines suffered over 3,000 casual-es in the 76-hour battle.

Seriously wounded in the right arm after landing on the beachhead during the initial assault, Jim refused evacuation and, unable to fire a weapon, volunteered to act as messenger for his Company Commander and carry the portable radio. Despite the intense
pain of his wounds, he continued in this capacity throughout the day and, although constantly exposed to heavy enemy fire, delivered important messages until ordered to be evacuated.

Later marrying Rosemary Piranio, Jim resided in Beloit, Wisconsin until the family moved to Phoenix in 1954. Jim worked as a expeditor/ buyer for Garrett AiResearch and Allied Signal for 39 years.

Jim was preceeded in death by his parents and five siblings: Roger, David, Olga, Edmund and Chuck. He is survived by his children Carlo (Janette), Sally (Steve) Landry, and Linda Pastore; his former wife Rosemary; four grandchildren Christina, Michael, Kristen (Dan) Guerin, and Ryan Landry, three great-grandchildren, with another on the way, and several nieces and nephews.

Jim passed away on July 31st, 2012 at the age of 91.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class (Marine)

Unit:

Company K, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

January 25th, 1948

Awarded for:

Operation Galvanic

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company K, Third Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. Seriously wounded in the right arm after landing on the beachhead during the initial assault, Private First Class Marsolo refused to be evacuated and, unable to fire a weapon, volunteered to act as messenger for his Company Commander and carry the portable radio. Despite the intense pain of his wounds, he continued in this capacity throughout the day and, although constantly exposed to heavy enemy fire, delivered important messages until ordered to be evacuated. His indomitable fighting spirit and devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."

Serial 01489 , Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces (Signed January 25, 1948).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class (Marine)

Unit:

Company K, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Galvanic

• Photo 1: Kristen Landry Guerin
• - Sterner C.D., Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present
  - Kristen Landry Guerin
  - Family Trees - Ancestry.com
  

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