Damato, Anthony Peter

Date of birth:: March 28th, 1922 (Shenandoah/Pennsylvania, United States)
Date of death:: February 20th, 1944 (Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands)
Buried on:: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Medal of Honor - Navy/Marine Corps (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Corporal
Unit:: Assault Company, 22nd Marine Regiment, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, U.S. Marine Corps
Awarded on:: February 20th, 1944

Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with an assault company in action against enemy Japanese forces on Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, on the night of 1920 February 1944. Highly vulnerable to sudden attack by small, fanatical groups of Japanese still at large despite the efficient and determined efforts of our forces to clear the area, Cpl. Damato lay with 2 comrades in a large foxhole in his company's defense perimeter which had been dangerously thinned by the forced withdrawal of nearly half of the available men. When 1 of the enemy approached the foxhole undetected and threw in a hand grenade, Cpl. Damato desperately groped for it in the darkness. Realizing the imminent peril to all 3 and fully aware of the consequences of his act, he unhesitatingly flung himself on the grenade and, although instantly killed as his body absorbed the explosion, saved the lives of his 2 companions. Cpl. Damato's splendid initiative, fearless conduct and valiant sacrifice reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.

Awarded posthumously, date unknown