Joseph Vittori

Corporal Joseph Vittori (August 1, 1929 – September 16, 1951) was a 22-year-old United States Marine who was killed in action during the Korean War.

After serving three years in the Marine Corps he returned home, joined the Marine Corps Reserve and worked various jobs around his home town. His unit was called to active duty to participate in the Korean War and after attending some training they were sent to South Korea.

He was killed during the Battle of the Punchbowl while defending against an assault on Hill 749 near Songnea-dong on the night of September 15–16, 1951. He was fatally wounded while fighting off an enemy breakthrough at a gap in his battalion's lines. He was the 19th Marine to earn the nation's highest decoration for heroism in Korea. For his actions he posthumously received the Medal of Honor.

Early life Vittori was born in Beverly, Massachusetts August 1, 1929 and attended school there until graduating from high school. He worked on his father's farm until October 4, 1946, and then joined the Marine Corps on a three-year enlistment.

Military career After enlisting he was sent to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina where he graduated in December 1946. He served briefly at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia and Brooklyn Navy Yard in Brooklyn, New York before being attached to the Marine Detachment aboard the from April to June 1947. After sea duty he was then stationed at the Philadelphia Navy Yard until May 1948, when he joined the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune North Carolina. From January to May 1949, he served with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean area and again served at Camp Lejeune, until October 3, 1949, when he was discharged. /S/ HARRY S. TRUMAN

Awards and Decorations In addition to the Medal of Honor, he received two Purple Hearts for wounds received in action and the following medals.