The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Anthony Dannucci, Jr. (ASN: 0-1540859), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Yong Yong, Korea, on the night of 31 December 1950 – 1 January 1951. During an exceptionally fierce enemy attack his company’s positions were penetrated by large numbers of enemy troops. Rallying a group of his own men and members of adjacent units he determined to attack a strong enemy force dug in on hill top positions and posing a grave threat to the entire battalion. With utter disregard for safety he fearlessly led the assault on the enemy strong point and the men inspired by his gallant example, overran the position. This action resulted in a temporary breakdown of the enemy attack and permitted the withdrawal of friendly units to more tenable positions. First Lieutenant Dannucci’s courageous action and outstanding leadership reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Infantry.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant]Batallion:
2nd BattalionRegiment:
19th Infantry RegimentDivision:
24th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
December 31, 1950 – January 1, 1951
Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 187 (February 11, 1951) -
Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Staff SergeantDivision:
Prisoner of War (Germany)Action Date:
March 22, 1944 – May 1945
NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 3800Staff Sergeant Anthony Dannucci, Jr. (ASN: 12155583), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after his plane was shot down on March 22, 1944 and was held as a Prisoner of War until the end of hostilities in May 1945.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
19th Infantry RegimentDivision:
24th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
February 6, 1951
Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 194 (April 7, 1951)The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Anthony Dannucci, Jr. (ASN: 0-1540859), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company G, 2d Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Captain Dannucci distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Sangho-ri, Korea, on 6 February 1951. On that date, Company G was given the mission of recapturing a hill which the enemy had secured during a nigh attack. Taking a position with the most forward element of the attacking unit, Captain Dannucci displaying great courage, led his men in a valiant assault on an enemy sector, forcing them to abandon their positions. During this action one platoon of his company attacking a different sector was pinned down by intense enemy fire. Captain Dannucci immediately went to the position of this platoon and, shouting words of encouragement to his men, ordered them to fix bayonets. He then led them in a daring assault on the enemy, killing many and forcing the remainder to flee in disorder. In the final stage of this assault he was killed by a burst of automatic fire. The gallant and intrepid action of Captain Dannucci inspired his men to complete their mission despite overwhelming odds and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.