Anthony Dannucci, Jr.
Captain, U.S. Army

In February 1951, Captain Anthony Dannucci, Jr. was serving as Commanding Officer of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in Korea.

On 6 February, CPT Dannucci's unit was engaged with enemy forces near Sangho-ri, Korea. Company G was given the mission of recapturing a hill that the enemy had secured during a night attack. CPT Dannucci took a position with the most forward element of the attacking unit and led his men in an assault on an enemy sector, forcing them to abandon their positions. During this action, one of his company's platoons that was attacking a different sector, was pinned down by intense enemy fire. CPT Dannucci went to the platoon's position and ordered them to fix bayonets. He then led them in a daring assault on the enemy, killing many and forcing the remainder to retreat in disorder. In the final stage of this assault, CPT Dannucci was killed by a burst of automatic fire. His extraordinary heroic actions and inspiring leadership caused his men to complete their mission despite overwhelming odds. This earned CPT Dannucci the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Anthony Dannucci, Jr. (ASN: 0-1540859), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company G, 2d Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Captain Dannucci distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Sangho-ri, Korea, on 6 February 1951. On that date, Company G was given the mission of recapturing a hill which the enemy had secured during a night attack. Taking a position with the most forward element of the attacking unit, Captain Dannucci displaying great courage, led his men in a valiant assault on an enemy sector, forcing them to abandon their positions. During this action one platoon of his company attacking a different sector was pinned down by intense enemy fire. Captain Dannucci immediately went to the position of this platoon and, shouting words of encouragement to his men, ordered them to fix bayonets. He then led them in a daring assault on the enemy, killing many and forcing the remainder to flee in disorder. In the final stage of this assault he was killed by a burst of automatic fire. The gallant and intrepid action of Captain Dannucci inspired his men to complete their mission despite overwhelming odds and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

General Orders: Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 194 (April 7, 1951)

Burial

Captain Anthony Dannucci, Jr. is buried at the Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, Kings County, NY.

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