Anthony DiCristofaro’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to

SERGEANT ANTHONY DICRISTOFARO
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS (RESERVE)

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Anthony DiCristofaro (351272), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the FIRST Marine Division during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island, on 28 December 1943. Voluntarily patrolling forward of our positions, Sergeant DiCristofaro penetrated the enemy lines, locating fortified enemy positions which he reported promptly to his commanding officer, thereby enabling our forces to register artillery on exact enemy positions and render them useless. Returning to the front lines, Sergeant DiCristofaro lost his life while attempting to silence an enemy machine gun. His aggressive fighting spirit, valiant self-sacrifice and stout-hearted devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Born: 22 December 1920 in Italy… Emigrated to United States in 1930… Received a notice to join the Italian Army but refused, instead joined the U.S. Marine Corps on 8 December 1941… Also fought at Guadalcanal… Originally buried at Bougainville but transferred to Baltimore National Cemetery in Baltimore, Md.