Willet Rankin Amendola

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Willet Rankin Amendola (2303053), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Mortar Man with Second Platoon, Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on the morning of 2 November 1967. The platoon-sized combat base, of which Corporal Amendola was part, was assaulted by an estimated 100 of the enemy. Maneuvering under the cover of darkness and a heavy mortar barrage, the insurgent forces were almost on the position before an effective defense could be established. Corporal Amendola, whose bunker was on the side of the perimeter which was being breached, fought with great tenacity and fearlessness, as he stoutly held his ground in the face of the oncoming enemy. He and the men in his bunker were holding their own, when Corporal Amendola left his position for scant seconds to give assistance at the 60-mm. mortar pit. In that brief time an undetected enemy threw a satchel charge, which demolished the bunker and Corporal Amendola’s weapon. Finding, then, that the mortar tube was in enemy possession, he bravely attempted to recover it. Unarmed and fortified with only sheer courage, he ran into the midst of the enemy. Shouting in their own language, he jumped into the pit and engaged the enemy forces in hand to hand combat. Grappling for the mortar tube, he succeeded in recapturing it, when another Viet Cong appeared and mortally wounded him with a burst of automatic fire. By his dauntless courage, initiative and indomitable fighting spirit, Corporal Amendola served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Willet Rankin Amendola (2303053), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on November 2, 1967. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Corporal Amendola upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.