When his Silver Star was presented in Vietnam, Sergeant Major Ferrelli returned it with a letter stating, “I cannot rember performing any such acts, therefor I am not worthy of such recognition.” His commanding officer noted, “When he was with me Ferrelli could have earned the Silver Star a half dozen times for his devotion to duty and his courage,” further noting that although he declined the award, tha the decoration would remain in his personal records, and indicated he would mail it back to Ferrelli who had accepted discharge to return home to care for an ill son.
Sponsored by:
Anthony
T.
Ferrelli
Home:
Aurora
,
Illinois
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Sergeant MajorRegiment:
26th Infantry RegimentDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
April 1, 1967
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Major Anthony T. Ferrelli, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Major Ferrelli distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving with an Infantry Battalion of ther 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, on 1 April 1967. During the battle at Landing Zone GEORGE ub War Zone C, Sergeant Major Ferrelli was all over the battlefield, checking out the positions, helping with the wounded, and rallying his men when the Viet Cong attacked. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Major Ferrelli, without regard for his own life, reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army.