Category:Italian American Studies (Medal of Honor)

Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the American military's highest decoration. It is bestowed "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in actual combat against an armed enemy force." The medal is awarded by the President of the United States on behalf of the Congress. Due to the nature of this medal, it is often presented posthumously.

List of Italian-American Medal of Honor recipients

Civil War

Luigi Palma di Cesnola (1832-1904)

Indian Wars

George Ferrari (1845c-1895c)

Spanish–American War

Frank O. Fournia (1873- )

World War I

Michael Valente (1895-)

World War II

John Basilone

Vito R. Bertoldo (1916-

Willibald C. Bianchi

Anthony Casamento (1920-

Ralph Cheli

Joseph J. Cicchetti

Mike Colalillo

Peter J. Dalessondro (1918-)

Anthony P. Damato (1922-

Arthur F. DeFranzo

Gino J. Merli

Frank J. Petrarca

Robert M. Viale

Korean War

Reginald B. Desiderio (1918-)

Joseph Vittori (1929)

Vietnam War

Lewis Albanese (1946)

Vincent R. Capodanno (1929-)

Date and place of action: 4 September 1967, Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam Entered service at: Staten Island, New York Date and place of birth: 13 February 1929, Staten Island, New York

Jon R. Cavaiani

Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, United States Army, Vietnam Training Advisory Group Date and place of action: 4 and 5 June 1971, Republic of Vietnam Entered service at: Fresno, California Date and place of birth: 2 August 1943, Royston, England

Frank R. Fratellenico

Rank and organization: Corporal, United States Army, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division Date and place of action: 19 August 1970, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam Entered service at: Albany, New York Date and place of birth: 14 July 1951, Sharon, Connecticut

Gary W. Martini

Gary W. Martini Rank and organization: Private First Class, United States Marine Corps, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division Date and place of action: 21 April 1967, Binh Son, Republic of Vietnam Entered service at: Portland, Oregon Date and place of birth: 21 September 1948, Lexington, Virginia