Medal of Honor: Anthony Peter Damato – U.S. Marine Corps – World War II

Name: Anthony Peter Damato
Rank: Corporal
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Assault Company, Engebi Island Operation
Place: Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands
Born: 28 March 1922, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania
Accredited To: Pennsylvania

Summary of Action

During intense fighting on Engebi Island in the Marshall Islands, Cpl. Anthony P. Damato and two fellow Marines occupied a large foxhole within a dangerously thinned defensive perimeter. Although U.S. forces had fought fiercely to secure the area, small groups of Japanese soldiers still moved stealthily through the night, launching sudden attacks.

Under cover of darkness, an enemy soldier approached undetected and hurled a hand grenade into the foxhole.

In the pitch black, with only seconds to react, Cpl. Damato desperately searched for the grenade. Realizing the imminent danger to his two comrades—and fully aware of the consequences—he threw himself upon it.

The explosion killed him instantly.

His selfless act absorbed the blast and saved the lives of the two Marines beside him. In a single, decisive moment, he chose sacrifice over survival.

Medal of Honor Citation

DAMATO, ANTHONY PETER

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with an assault company in action against enemy Japanese forces on Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, on the night of 19–20 February 1944. Highly vulnerable to sudden attack by small, fanatical groups of Japanese still at large despite the efficient and determined efforts of our forces to clear the area, Cpl. Damato lay with 2 comrades in a large foxhole in his company’s defense perimeter which had been dangerously thinned by the forced withdrawal of nearly half of the available men. When 1 of the enemy approached the foxhole undetected and threw in a hand grenade, Cpl. Damato desperately groped for it in the darkness. Realizing the imminent peril to all 3 and fully aware of the consequences of his act, he unhesitatingly flung himself on the grenade and, although instantly killed as his body absorbed the explosion, saved the lives of his 2 companions. Cpl. Damato’s splendid initiative, fearless conduct and valiant sacrifice reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.