Anthony D. Lamonica

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospitalman Anthony Daniel LaMonica (NSN: 3029383), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in action against enemy aggressor forces near Kudong, Korea, on the night of 15 – 16 September 1951. During his platoon’s attack on a heavily fortified enemy hill position, Hospitalman LaMonica repeatedly braved intense hostile fire to administer expert treatment to the wounded, frequently going forward of the line to reach the casualties. When his unit withdrew to defensive positions for the night after a vigorous two-hour battle, he worked in the middle of the intense crossfire of enemy weapons, remaining until the last to ensure that all casualties had been safely evacuated, and, while the new defenses were being consolidated, assisted in protecting these positions. With his platoon suffering approximately ninety percent casualties during a series of concerted night attacks by a numerically superior hostile force, he moved calmly about the area under heavy fire and skillfully administered medical aid until mortally wounded shortly before dawn. His initiative, courage, and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk inspired all who served with him, reflecting the highest credit upon Hospitalman LaMonica and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.