Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Stalemate II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Pasqualy E. DeStefano (MCSN: 369678), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 15 September 1944. Unable to find a gunner when a hostile tank penetrated our lines and caused numerous casualties as it ran through the platoon area, Corporal DeStefano immediately grabbed a bazooka and, running from his position of safety to get a better field of fire, succeeded in completely disabling the enemy tank with a direct hit. Although wounded by shell fragments before knocking the tank out, he bravely continued firing until his mission was completed. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

For action which was performed on 15 September 1944 at Peleliu, Palau Islands.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)