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name
GAMBINO, Gaetano "Tommy" - Date of
birth
20 August 1919 -
Age
25 - Place of
birth
Brooklyn, Kings County, New York City, New York -
Hometown
Vineland, Cumberland County, New Jersey
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
32065537 -
Rank
Technical Sergeant -
Function
Medical Aidman -
Unit
271st Infantry Regiment,
69th Infantry Division
-
Awards
Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster,
Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
28 February 1945 - Place of
death
In the vicinity of Prether Bach, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| C | 12 | 53 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Andrew Gambino (father)
Antonette Gambino (mother)
Savatore Gambino (brother)
Rose Gambino (sister)
Madeline Gambino (sister)
More information
T/Sgt Gaetano Gambino enlisted in Newark, New Jersey on 9 April 1941.Sgt Gambino participated in the invasion of North Africa on 8 november 1942, serving with the 9th Infantry Division, 60th Infantry Regiment.
He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for the first time, serving with this unit in Tunisia. He led a patrol against an enemy outpost of superior strength. After his patrol was forced to withdraw, Gambino remained behind to evacuate a wounded officer. "His bravery and leadership throughout this attack and the entire Tunisian campaign was an inspiration to the men under him and stimulated his men to similar feats of heroism", the citiation reads.
He also participated in the invasion of Sicily and Italy.
He returned to the U.S. for a year and was again sent overseas in November 1944, serving with the 69th Infantry Division, 271st Infantry Regiment.
He was awarded the Silver Star Medal a second time for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 69th Infantry Division.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, Peter Schouteten, Erwin Derhaag, www.abmc.gov, www.archives.gov - WWII Enlistment Record, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - 1920 Census, The Daily Journal (Vineland, New Jersey)
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Des Philippet, The Daily Journal (Vineland, New Jersey), 1941 Ft Bragg Pictorial, Monty McDaniel