Vassallo, Henry, PFC

St John's Cemetery
Queens County
Long Island, NY

1953
Details behind Award
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY AND MARINE CORPS MEDAL posthumously to

CORPORAL HENRY R VASSALLO,
UNTIED STATES MARINE CORPS,

for services as set forth in the following

Citation:

"For heroic conduct in attempting to rescue the occupants of a crashed helicopter in Korea on the 24 Dec 1953. While on duty at an observations post on the top of an extremely high and precipitous ridge, Cpl Vassallo observed a helicopter approaching a landing pad adjacent to his position. While hovering approximately twenty-five feet above the landing area, the helicopter suddenly dropped and side-slipped onto the pad, damaging the landing gear and resting precariously on the edge of a cliff with a sheer six-hundred and fifty-foot drop. Aware of the plight of the passengers, Cpl Vassallo rushed forward to the imperiled aircraft and crawled under the large horizontal rotor in an attempt to assist the occupants from the plane before the vibration of the rotors could force the helicopter over the precipice. As he gallantly moved forward, a portion of the damaged landing gear collapsed and one of the revolving rotor blades struck him, inflicting fatal injuries. By his inspiring initiative, courageous actions and self sacrificing efforts in behalf of others, Cpl Vassallo upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for others."

For the President,

C.S. Thomas
Secretary of the Navy