Carl Salamoni’s Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS CARL SALAMONI,
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Volupal Plantation and at Mount Schleuther, during a drive on Talasea, New Britain, on 6 and 7 March 1944.After participating in an operation against the Japanese and familiarizing himself with the terrain, Private First Class Salamoni volunteered to guide tank against enemy strongholds and, although inexperienced in its operations and in the firing of machine guns, replaced the gunner and, after brief instructions, directed the attack over difficult jungle terrain. Guiding the vehicle skillfully and effectively, he enabled it to destroy a number of Japanese strong points, completely routing the hostile forces and thereby allowing the advance to continue. While assisting in an attempt to repulse an enemy thrust on another occasion, he made his way forward of the front lines through heavy machine-gun and mortar fire to recover an abandoned, inoperable machine gun and, despite his slight knowledge of its mechanism, repaired the gun. Delivering sporadic but effective fire upon the treacherous enemy by repeatedly operating the bolt and ammunition belt by hand, he contributed materially in slowing up the hostile attack, thereby aiding the battalion in launching a flanking counterattack which routed the Japanese from the immediate vicinity. His great courage, daring initiative and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
/s/ James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy

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Born: Chicago, Ill…. Home of record: Harvey, Ill.