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Salgo, Oscar

Date of birth:
December 26th, 1920 (New York County (Manhattan)/New York, United States)
Date of death:
March 8th, 1945 (Iwo Jima, Japan)
Buried on:
Long Island National Cemetery
Plot: H. Grave: 7997.
Nationality:
American

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)
Unit:
Company D, 3rd Tank Battalion, HQ, 3rd Marine Division "Fighting Third", U.S. Marine Corps
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during combat with enemy Japanese forces in the Bougainville, Solomon Islands Area, on 7 November 1943. Surrounded by large hostile landing forces, while leading a scouting platoon, First Lieutenant Salgo fought valiantly, inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy until receiving orders to set up another position. Finding his platoon cut off by the Japanese from any overland route, he swam a mile under a tremendous barrage of fire and through perilous surf to obtain an amphibious tractor. Using it to reach the main Marine force. He returned with landing boats and skillfully evacuated the entire platoon from its dangerous position. By his outstanding leadership and indomitable fortitude, First Lieutenant Salgo contributed materially to the success of this mission and his steadfast devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander South Pacific: Serial 001914
Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Posthumously awarded

Sources

Photo