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Massello, William "Wild Bill"

Date of birth:
February 24th, 1907 (Boston/ Massachusetts, United States)
Date of death:
February 3rd, 1997 (Texas, United States)
Buried on:
Fort Bliss National Cemetery
Plot: O. Grave: 186.
Service number:
0-18749
Nationality:
American

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Battery E, 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), Philippine Department, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), U.S. Army
Awarded on:
1942

Headquarters, Philippine Coast Artillery Command, General Orders No. 28
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Battery E, 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), Philippine Department, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), U.S. Army
Awarded on:
1945

Headquarters, U.S. Forces, Pacific, General Orders No. 226 (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
Battery E, 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), Philippine Department, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), U.S. Army
Awarded on:
October 24th, 1946
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while Commanding Battery E, 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), in action against enemy forces on 5 and 6 May 1942, at Fort Mills, Corregidor, in the Philippine Islands. When Japanese forces, after a heavy shelling and aerial attack against the island, began landing on Corregidor, Colonel Massello selected salvo points and began to fire on the approaching enemy aircraft. Again his battery position was immediately subjected to a barrage of shells, but under the continuing hail of explosives and although critically wounded, he continued to work with the men in the pit, assisting their firing operations. Three of the four guns were completely destroyed by enemy shell fire and air attacks and, after firing the last large shell from Corregidor, the fourth gun's breechblock was so hot that it would no longer function. By his determined leadership and courageous conduct, Colonel Massello inspired his men to heroic attainments in the defense of Corregidor. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army."

War Department, General Orders No. 125
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Prisoner of War Medal

Sources