Navy Federal Credit Union

Mathew Caruso was a clerk in Headquarters and Service Company for Navy Chaplain, Father Cornelius Griffin. When the Marines moved forward and Chaplain Griffin knew the unit would be going into major combat action in North Korea, and knowing that Caruso was expecting the couple’s first child within weeks, he transferred Caruso from his staff so he could remain behind in relative safety. Before the battalion moved out, however, Caruso ran into Father Griffin and was literally in tears, believing he had been fired by the chaplain. Father Griffin relented and, on December 6, 1950, during an enemy ambush, Caruso shielded the chaplain with his own body. Although Griffin was seriously wounded, his life was saved by the young assistant. Caruso’s son was born six days after his father was killed in action. Caruso’s brother subsequently enlisted in the Marines, and, in 1955 when MathewÕs body was repatriated, his brother escorted the body by train from San Francisco to Connecticut. After Father GriffinÕs recovery, Caruso’s wife visited him so he could see young Danny Caruso. Father Griffin was subsequently instrumental in dedication of the Caruso Memorial Chapel which was built at Camp Pendleton.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    December 6, 1950

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Mathew Caruso (MCSN: 661958), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as assistant to the Chaplain of the Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 6 December 1950. When the convoy in which he was traveling with the Chaplain was ambushed by a large hostile force employing intense and accurate automatic weapons and small arms fire, Sergeant Caruso quickly pushed his companion to the floor of the ambulance and shielded him from the enemy with his own body. Mortally wounded while protecting the Chaplain, Sergeant Caruso by his outstanding courage, self-sacrificing actions and daring initiative served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.