John R. Armellino

21 February 1921 – 17 September 2004

Hometown
West New York
Service number
O-442775
Rank
Major
Unit
Company L, 16th Infantry Regiment
Award(s)
Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star with two Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star

Biography

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Distinguished Service Cross

Citation: Under the provisions of AR 600-45, 22 September 1943, and pursuant to authority contained in paragraph 3c, Section I, Circular No. 32, Hq ETOUSA, 20 March 1944, the Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to Captain John R. Armellino, O-442775, 16th Infantry, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 6 June 1944, in France. Upon landing initially on the coast of France in the face of heavy enemy rifle, machine gun and artillery fire, Captain Armellino quickly moved his men behind the slight cover afforded by a three-foot shelf of shale. However, the constant and accurate fire from the cliff pinned his company down. Captain Armellino then exposed himself to this heavy enemy fire and moved up the beach to a group of four tanks, he placed himself before them and from this fire-swept position directed their fire on the enemy strongpoints. For forty-five minutes he continued to move from his company to the tanks coordinating their action. On one of the trips back to his company, he was severely wounded by enemy fire. Despite serious wounds he directed his men in their successful assault upon the enemy emplacement. The valor and superior leadership of Captain Armellino reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces. Entered military service from New Jersey.

Silver Star

Citation: Under the provisions of AR 600-45, 22 September 1943, Captain (then First Lieutenant) John R. Armellino, O-442775, Company L, 16th Infantry, is awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action in the vicinity of Niscemi, Sicily, 15 July 1943. Captain Armellino, exposing himself to direct fire, fearlessly led his patrol in an assault upon enemy strongholds, seizing a valuable gasoline depot and capturing many prisoners.  Captain Armellino’s dauntless courage and aggressive leadership contributed materially to the succes of his company’s operation. Residence at appointment: West New York, N.J.

Silver Star

Citation: Under the provisions of AR 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amended, and in accordance with authority contained in paragraph 4, Section I, Circular 66, Headquarters First U.S. Army, 18 May 1944, in addition to the Silver Star previously awarded, a bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, for gallantry in action in the vicinity of Nicosia, Sicily, 26 July 1943, is awarded to Captain (then First Lieutenant) John R. Armellino, O-442775, Company L, 16th Infantry.  Given the dangerous mission of destroying a hostile observation post directing heavy artillery concentrations upon our troops, Captain Armellino advanced and, with rocket-gun and hand grenades, eliminated several emplacements before reaching his objective. Then, fearlessly charging the foe, he destroyed the observation post and compelled the enemy to flee. Residence at appointment: West New York, N.J.

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