- SURNAME
LaQuintano
- FORENAME
Jemes (James) Joseph
- UNIT
3 Raider Bn (Company K)
- RANK
Platoon Sergeant
- NUMBER
452888
- AWARD
Navy Cross
- PLACE
Okinawa 1945
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 10.12.1916, Brockway, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, USA
resided Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
father Donato LaQuintano (1880-1977)
mother Patricia (nee Maiello) LaQuintano (1888-1945)
wife Jennie M. (nee Mazzoni)
son Robert
daughter Caroline Bengermino
entered service 14.09.1942
discharged 10.11.1945
auto mechanic
died 14.07.1968 (Aged 51)
buried St Dominic Church Cemetery, Torresdale, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, USA
CITATION:
Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant James Joseph LaQuintano (MCSN: 452888), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 21 May 1945. Attempting to repel a fierce enemy counterattack which was being launched against his company, Sergeant LaQuintano bravely exposed himself time after time to devastating artillery, mortar and small-arms fire in order to place his men and automatic weapons in more advantageous positions. Although wounded in the morning as a result of the intense machine-gun fire, he refused evacuation and continued fighting, his only thought being to strengthen his company's position and repel the fanatical Japanese counterattacks. After being wounded again in the afternoon, Sergeant LaQuintano still persisted at his post until ordered from the line by a senior officer. His gallant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were an inspiration to his comrades and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/8400https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/person/tree/86204575/person/40538789213/story
FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/136236526/james-joseph-laquintano
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