Afflitto, Walter Frank "Flip"

Date of birth:: June 18th, 1920 (Newark/New Jersey, United States)
Date of death:: August 22nd, 1989 (Clifton/New Jersey, United States)
Service number:: MCSN: 265186
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps
Awarded on:: February 7th, 1945
Awarded for:: Operation Stalemate II

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. When an enemy mortar inflicted several direct hits on his tractor causing numerous casualties among personnel as they were proceeding to disembark on the beach, Sergeant Afflitto defied intense enemy gunfire to proceed to the aid of a wounded man and, although his carbine was shot out of his hands by a blast of Japanese fire, courageously continued on his way to reach the wounded man and administer first aid. Then, armed with the casualty's gun, he effected the reorganization of his group and led them forward to the assigned objective. Subsequently assuming command of his platoon when the leader was struck down by enemy fire, he braved a powerful barrage from enemy mortars to push forward and take a strategic ridge commanding the area. By his initiative, courage and devotion to duty throughout this hazardous operation, Sergeant Afflitto upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 7396 (February 7, 1945)