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 pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Angelo J. Vaccaro, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 8 September 2006, while under intense hostile fire as a Rifle Platoon Medic, 3d Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, Task Force Chosin, 10th Mountain Division, during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. Corporal Vaccaro’s courage and dedication to duty were paramount as he ran into a hail of enemy gunfire in order to save the lives of his fallen comrades. Corporal Vaccaro’s selfless and heroic actions epitomize the performance of a combat medic and are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit upon himself, the Chosin Battalion, the Spartan Brigade, Combined Joint Task Force 76, the United States Central Command, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Corporal Angelo Vaccaro was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division as a Senior Line Combat Medic at the time of his death in Iraq. A native of New York, he completed his basic training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and was promptly assigned as 3d Platoon’s Line Medic upon graduation. During his tour of duty in Afghanistan, Corporal Vaccaro is attributed to participating in more than 40 mounted patrols and 100 dismounted patrols in support of ongoing Global War on Terrorism operational missions. On 8 September 2006, while under intense hostile fire as a Rifle Platoon Medic, 3d Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry, Task Force Chosin, his gallant efforts to sacrifice himself to ensure the protection and safety of his brothers in battle represents the premier example of a Soldier’s commitment to “duty, honor and country.” His courage and dedication to duty were paramount as he ran into a hail of enemy gunfire in order to save the lives of his fallen comrades. Corporal Vaccaro’s selfless and heroic actions epitomize the performance of a combat medic and were in keeping with the finest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit on himself, the Chosin Battalion, the Spartan Brigade, Combined Joint Task Force 76, the United States Central Command, and the United States Army. Corporal Vaccaro was rightfully awarded the Silver Star (1OLC) posthumously for his sacrifice on 8 September 2006.