Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Seaman Second Class

    Regiment:

    Navy Combat Demolition Unit #28

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 335 (February 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Seaman Second Class Serafino J. Dellapiano, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action as a member of a naval combat demolition unit during the invasion of Normandy, France, 6 June 1944. Seaman Second Class Dellapiano had been given the job of carrying four packs of high explosive from the boat to where the unit was working on obstacles. As the unit beached, he was struck in the right elbow and his arm broken. Yet he carried three packs to the obstacles, made a second trip with three more, and then apologized to his superior officer for not being able to carry four packs because of his wounds. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.