Corporal De Virgilio was a member of Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. On 25 July 1953, his position near Pon Du Dong, South Korea, was under an intense enemy attack. When his gunner was wounded, he took the weapon and delivered devastating fire on the enemy until he was mortally wounded. He died on 26 July 1953.

For his leadership and valor, Corporal De Virgilio was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Combat Service Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.