Posted 13 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
This ID bracelet was worn by Tony Damato during the action resulting in his award of the Medal of Honor.
CPL Damato selflessly gave his life to save the lives of two of his buddies:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with an assault company in action against enemy Japanese forces on Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, on the night of 1920 February 1944. Highly vulnerable to sudden attack by small, fanatical groups of Japanese still at large despite the efficient and determined efforts of our forces to clear the area, Cpl. Damato lay with 2 comrades in a large foxhole in his company's defense perimeter which had been dangerously thinned by the forced withdrawal of nearly half of the available men. When 1 of the enemy approached the foxhole undetected and threw in a hand grenade, Cpl. Damato desperately groped for it in the darkness. Realizing the imminent peril to all 3 and fully aware of the consequences of his act, he unhesitatingly flung himself on the grenade and, although instantly killed as his body absorbed the explosion, saved the lives of his 2 companions. Cpl. Damato's splendid initiative, fearless conduct and valiant sacrifice reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades." CMOHS.org
Scott
For those with an interest in the Medal of Honor, I have an early photograph posted of another MOH recipient from WW1:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/16818-wwi-medal-of-honor-recipient-photograph?in=user
This is a great piece, at the same time it makes one reflect on how many people never got to live a full life due to war. How did you aquire this piece? I am reading a book right now that gives a one page story on living MOH recipients and how they earned their awards. It makes you think, what would I do if I were in the same situation. Thanks for sharing.
Mike
Thanks Mike.
To me it epitomizes what being a soldier is all about. There are many reasons why a soldier joins, but on the battlefield it comes down to taking care of your buddy.
Scott
Thanks Justin.
Thanks tom.
Thanks lydabenson.
The generosity and bravery shown by so many men in a battlefield is overwhelming!
Thanks for sharing, and thanks for the story. It really puts these awards into perspective.
I wonder what his buddies felt once they realized what Damato had done for them. If they lived full lives, to honor his gesture?
Thanks Esther.
I have no information on his buddies.
Your sentiment is best expressed in the scene at the end of "Saving Private Ryan" at the US Military Cemetery. PVT Ryan says to his wife: "Tell me I've been a good man".
Scott
It saddens me to think that many of these heroes died before having the chance to have kids of their own, so nobody remembers them (as individuals) after their parents and siblings are gone.
Too many stories of 'uncle so and so', killed in battle at age 20.
It's a good thing that collectors like you keep their memories alive, even if it is on a site like this.
Esther, I posted another item that may interest you.
It is a WW1 Trench Art shell vase that is inscribed with the name of a Distinguished Service Cross (2nd Highest Valor award) recipient. He was killed during the War:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/30448-trench-identified-to-ww1-distinguished-s?in=user
Scott
dude....WHERE do you find this great stuff???
Thanks for looking tlmbaran.
I have been collecting for over 30 years and have always looked for the unusual and one of a kind.
Scott
Thanks for showing the medal. I served on the USS Damato DD871 ( named for Tony Damato USMC) from 1968 -1972. Very fine ship.
Thanks for looking and thanks for your service.
scott
Thanks for looking musik.
scott
WW2 MOH recipients ID bracelelt!
scott
Thanks tom!
scott
Thanks for looking manikin.
scott
Thanks for looking matt.
scott
Thanks for looking doc.
scott
Thanks for looking jono.
scott
Looking at this after having been boots on the ground in a combat zone just gives me a cold chill. Thanks for sharing it scott.
Thanks for looking and a BIG THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE!
I think that all of us who have served can relate to your comments.
scott
Thanks for looking doc!
scott
Thanks packrat and Happy New Year!
scott