Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Medical Service Corps) Sebastian Cennamo (ASN: 0-2013960), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of the Medical Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 24 April 1951, near the Imjin River, Korea, Lieutenant Cennamo was working with Company L when that unit was attacked by a strong enemy force employing mortars, small arms, and automatic weapons. During the intense fire fight which occurred when the enemy attempted to encircle and cut off the company, casualties were sustained. Lieutenant Cennamo, realizing that the only feasible evacuation route was perilously close to the enemy flanking effort, personally acted as an advance scout and moved to a position where he could observe the action and select the route. Controlling the movement of the forward aid station and litter teams by voice and arm signals, he directed them to a protected position behind a hill. Walking through the enemy-infested area while the fierce engagement with the enemy continued, he made contact with L Company and directed evacuation of the wounded by litter. Lieutenant Cennamo’s heroism, courage, and complete devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Medical Service Corps)

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3rd Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 2, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 278 (July 13, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Medical Service Corps) Sebastian Cennamo (ASN: 0-2013960), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the Medical Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 2 June 1951, near the Hantan River, Korea, upon learning that two soldiers had been severely wounded by enemy mortar fire and were unable to move, Lieutenant Cennamo immediately volunteered to move to the assistance of the stricken riflemen. Despite the heavy volume of enemy fire sweeping the area, he courageously ran approximately 50 yards across open terrain to reach the wounded infantrymen. After administering first aid, he then supervised the evacuation of the wounded to the safety of the forward aid station. Lieutenant Cennamo’s outstanding gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and exemplifies the high traditions of the military service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Medical Service Corps)

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 22, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 120 (May 5, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Medical Service Corps) Sebastian Cennamo (ASN: 0-2013960), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of the Medical Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 22 January 1951, near Sojong-ni, Korea, Lieutenant Cennamo voluntarily went to the assistance of a wounded man. In spite of heavy machine gun and other enemy small arms fire, he crossed an area approximately one hundred yards wide to reach the man who was pinned down and unable to move. Lieutenant Cennamo, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved to the stricken man and administered first aid. Heedless of the concentrated small arms fire of the enemy, he evacuated the wounded man back across the open area to the aid station. The bravery and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Cennamo reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Medical Service Corps)

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 2, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 278 (July 13, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Medical Service Corps) Sebastian Cennamo (ASN: 0-2013960), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the Medical Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 2 June 1951, near the Hantan River, Korea, upon learning that two soldiers had been severely wounded by enemy mortar fire and were unable to move, Lieutenant Cennamo immediately volunteered to move to the assistance of the stricken riflemen. Despite the heavy volume of enemy fire sweeping the area, he courageously ran approximately 50 yards across open terrain to reach the wounded infantrymen. After administering first aid, he then supervised the evacuation of the wounded to the safety of the forward aid station. Lieutenant Cennamo’s outstanding gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and exemplifies the high traditions of the military service.