Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class (Marine)

Unit:

Fire Group Leader, Company H, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division "The Spearhead", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Detachment

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Leader of a Fire Group of Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 2nd March 1945. During an attack by Private First Class Pecchia's company against a strongly defenced hostile ridge on which several dual purpose guns were emplaced, the leader of an adjacent fire group was wounded and fell on the enemy-held side of the ridge. Quick to act although fully aware of the great danger involved, Private First Class Pecchia courageously went to the aid of his fallen comrade and succeeded in treating and evacuating him before he himself was wounded. His initiative and grave concern for the life of another were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."