RANGERS 2 Castonguay, Romeo Joseph

[John Robertson]

• SURNAME

Castonguay ​

• FORENAME

Romeo Joseph ​

• UNIT

1 Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) ​

• RANK

Master Sergeant ​

• NUMBER

6140537 ​

• DATE OF DEATH

15th February 1951 ​

• AGE

33 ​

• GRAVESITE

Knoxville National Cemetery, Knoxville, Tennessee Section B Site 6108 ​

• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

from Aroostook County, Maine​

born 27.6.1917​

517th Parachute Infantry Regiment,17th Airborne Division in WW2 (T/Sgt)​

awarded Silver Star WW2​

attached 23 Infantry Regiment​

KIA near Chipvong-ni, South Korea ​

Korean War Veterans Memorial, Wall of Remembrance, Washington, D.C. Panel 79​

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United States Army Master Sergeant Castonguay, Army Ranger, 1st Airborne Ranger Company, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, was killed in action fighting the enemy. Romeo also fought in World War II.​

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In early February 1950, two Rangers were severely wounded during the approach march of the nighttime Chang Mal Raid. The Rangers' squad was left behind for security and to find shelter for them from the 25-degree cold. After the mission, Castonguay returned alone through enemy lines to locate the missing Rangers and lead them safely back to friendly lines.​

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On the morning of Feb. 15, 1951, at Chip Yong Ni, during an attack to regain an overrun position, all 27 attacking Rangers were either wounded or killed. Without hesitation, Castonguay began to evacuate the wounded under enemy fire.​

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He suffered a severe wound to his stomach, but continued to assist his fellow Rangers to safety. He died of his injuries later that day.​

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Master Sergeant Castonguay was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.​

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Ranger Romeo John Castonguay is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for his unfailing devotion to duty and his heroic service to the Nation. During WWII, Master Sergeant Castonguay served with the 517th Parachute Infantry, 17th Airborne Division, participating in combat parachute assaults into southern France and fighting in three subsequent major campaigns. ​