Desiderio, Reginald Benjamin (US Army)

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Desiderio, Reginald Benjamin (US Army)

Date of birth:: September 12th, 1918 (Clairton, Pennsylvania - USA)
Date of death:: November 27th, 1950 (Ipsok, Ch'ongch'on River, Korea)
Nationality:: American

Biography

Captain Desiderio joined the Army from Gilroy, California in March 1941.
He posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 27, 1950 during the Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River.
The United States Army Reserve Center on Westminster Drive in Pasadena, California is named in his honor. The airfield at USAG Humphreys (ICAO: RKSG) in Pyongtaek, South Korea, is named in his honor.

There is a memorial park dedicated to him in his hometown of Clairton, Pennsylvania containing a WW1 artillery piece and a 1950s missile. There is also a street named in his honor nearby.

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Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:: 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division

Bronze Star Medal (BSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:: 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division

Bronze Star Medal (BSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:: 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Bronze Star Medal (BSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:: 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Medal of Honor - Army (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: commanding officer, Company E, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
Awarded on:: August 2nd, 1951

Capt. Desiderio distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the repeated risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. His company was given the mission of defending the command post of a task force against an enemy breakthrough. After personal reconnaissance during darkness and under intense enemy fire, he placed his men in defensive positions to repel an attack. Early in the action he was wounded, but refused evacuation and despite enemy fire continued to move among his men checking their positions and making sure that each element was prepared to receive the next attack. Again wounded, he continued to direct his men. By his inspiring leadership he encouraged them to hold their position. In the subsequent fighting when the fanatical enemy succeeded in penetrating the position, he personally charged them with carbine, rifle, and grenades, inflicting many casualties until he himself was mortally wounded. His men, spurred on by his intrepid example, repelled this final attack. Capt. Desiderio's heroic leadership, courageous and loyal devotion to duty, and his complete disregard for personal safety reflect the highest honor on him and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Arm

G.O. No.: 58, August 2, 1951

Purple Heart

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

US Army Parachute Badge

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Sources

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