"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company "D", First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division on Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands, in action against the enemy Japanese forces on November
1, 1942. Serving as a leader of a machine gun section, Corporal
Casamento directed his unit to advance along a ridge near the Matanikau River where they engaged the enemy. He positioned his section to provide
covering fire for two flanking units and to provide direct support for
the main force of his company which was behind him. During the course of
this engagement, all members of his section were either killed or
severely wounded and he himself suffered multiple, grievous wounds.
Nonetheless, Corporal Casamento continued to provide critical supporting
fire for the attack and in defense of his position. Following the loss
of all effective personnel, he set up, loaded, and manned his unit's
machine gun, tenaciously holding the enemy forces at bay. Corporal
Casamento single-handedly engaged and destroyed one machine gun
emplacement to his front and took under fire the other emplacement on
the flank. Despite the heat and ferocity of the engagement, he continued
to man his own weapon and repeatedly repulsed multiple assaults by the
enemy forces, thereby protecting the flanks of the adjoining companies
and holding his position until the arrival of his main attacking force.
Corporal Casamento's courageous fighting spirit, heroic conduct, and
unwavering dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."
From Cpl. Casamento's Medal of Honor citation, awarded in 1980.
Although long overdue, we as a nation are thankful for you heroism and may you be at peace,
Brian
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