b. 12/09/1918 Clairton, Pennsylvania. d. 27/11/1950 Ipsok, Korea.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 27/11/1950 Ipsok, Korea.
Reginald B Desiderio MOH
Desiderio joined the Army from Gilroy, California in March 1941. His widow was presented with his posthumous Medal of Honor at The Pentagon on 21 June 1951 by General Omar N. Bradley.
MOH CITATION:
Capt. Desiderio distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the repeated risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. His company was given the mission of defending the command post of a task force against an enemy breakthrough. After personal reconnaissance during darkness and under intense enemy fire, he placed his men in defensive positions to repel an attack. Early in the action he was wounded, but refused evacuation and despite enemy fire continued to move among his men checking their positions and making sure that each element was prepared to receive the next attack. Again wounded, he continued to direct his men. By his inspiring leadership he encouraged them to hold their position. In the subsequent fighting when the fanatical enemy succeeded in penetrating the position, he personally charged them with carbine, rifle, and grenades, inflicting many casualties until he himself was mortally wounded. His men, spurred on by his intrepid example, repelled this final attack.
BURIAL LOCATION: SAN FRANCISCO NATIONAL CEMETERY, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.
SECTION OS, ROW 128, GRAVE 20
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
